JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 In the shade of one of Jacksonville\u2019s most iconic landmarks, a living piece of history is now connected to the story of America\u2019s founding.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville\u2019s Treaty Oak, estimated to be at least 250 years old \u2014 and possibly as old as 400 \u2014 has officially been designated a National Liberty Tree.<\/p>\n
It links the massive Southern Live Oak in Jessie Ball DuPont Park to one of the patriotic gathering places \u2013 trees that stood across the 13 original colonies during the American Revolution.<\/p>\n
Through the twisting canopy, this Treaty Oak is older than Jacksonville, and older than anything that now surrounds it.<\/p>\n
\\Members of the Sons of the American Revolution gathered beneath the sprawling limbs Thursday, May 21, reflecting on both the tree\u2019s history and their own family ties to the nation\u2019s founding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know 250 at least, and there\u2019s talk the Native Americans used it as a gathering place. It could easily be 400 years old,\u201d said Chuck Salestrom with the Jacksonville chapter.<\/p>\n
Gray Chandler, the group\u2019s registrar, joked about his long beard while dressed in Revolutionary-era attire, saying, \u201cWhen the hair came off the top of the head, it moved to the face.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Tucker, president of the chapter, explained members must prove a direct connection to someone who supported the Revolution, whether through military service or aiding troops.<\/p>\n
The tree itself narrowly escaped destruction in the 1930s after plans surfaced to cut it down, but Jessie Ball DuPont helped secure funding to preserve the landmark and create the surrounding park.<\/p>\n
Tracing their lineage also revealed a surprising discovery between Tucker and Chandler.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt came out we were 5th cousins! Who thought?\u201d Chandler said.<\/p>\n
Salestrom said researching family history continues to uncover unexpected connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cI found out that I\u2019m related to Taylor Swift. Isn\u2019t that the craziest thing in the world?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Today, the Treaty Oak stands not only as one of Jacksonville\u2019s oldest living landmarks, but also as a reminder that America\u2019s history \u2014 and the people connected to it \u2014 may be closer than they appear.<\/p>\n
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