Our National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree is a Colorado blue spruce planted on the Ellipse in 1978. The tree was 15 years old and 30 feet tall when it arrived in our Nation’s capital 31 years ago. Today the tree is 46 years old and stands at almost 42 feet tall.
In 1978, National Park Service horticulturalists searched for a perfect tree whose life had started under similar environmental conditions as those of Washington, D.C., and a tree that would be healthy and strong enough to survive a move to the Ellipse. They found the tree in York, Pennsylvania at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Myers. It appeared to be the perfect shape and size, with no disease, and living in just the right soil. The tree had been planted and watered by the Myers’ grandchildren. When the tree was six years old it had been planted in the Myers’ front yard as a Mother’s Day gift for Mrs. Myers. After discussions with the NPS horticulturalists, the Myers agreed to let the tree go to become the nation’s Christmas tree. Mrs. Myers fed the workers homemade soup as they prepared the tree for its journey south to the Ellipse.
The National Christmas Tree has witnessed much during the thirty years it has lived on the Ellipse. Five Presidents and their families have lived in the White House, lighting the tree each year with a message of peace for the world. Millions of people have seen the tree as they viewed the White House and its South Grounds. Near the tree, hundreds of thousands of Americans have asserted their First Amendment rights to demonstrate for and against a wide variety of causes. Local softball and soccer games have been played in the tree’s shadow. Christmas is a special time in and around the White House, and this National Christmas Tree from York, Pennsylvania is a highlight of the season.
