Catasauqua Borough and its Shade Tree Commission took part in a historic tree planting and dedication. A Liberty Tree was planted June 15 at the George Taylor House, Lehigh and Poplar streets. George Taylor was an original signer of the Declaration of Independence.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty often convened under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston to discuss their opposition to British rule in the colonies. This historic tree, a tulip poplar, became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom.

In an attempt to stymie these colonists, the British destroyed Boston’s Liberty Tree. The patriots throughout the 13 colonies then began to plant and designate new Liberty Trees in all the colonies.

The last known original Liberty Tree sat on the campus of St. John’s University in Maryland. It was destroyed in 1999 when Hurricane Floyd devastated the area. Landscaper Mark Mehnert rescued and revived parts of this original tree. Because of his effort, descendants of this Liberty Tree are thriving and making their way across the United States.

The Liberty Tree planted and dedicated June 15 is a descendant of the original Liberty Tree.

The America250PA Liberty Tree Project, sponsored in partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons, plans to plant and dedicate Liberty Trees in all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The project began in the fall of 2021. The project’s goal is to have all 67 Liberty Trees planted by the fall of 2026. To date, 15 Pennsylvania counties had Liberty Trees planted in historic public sites.

The Catasauqua Liberty Tree serves as Lehigh County’s tree.

Colin Sheffer, of America250PA, was the master of ceremonies at the June 15 dedication event. The ceremony included an invocation, benediction, musket gun salute to the U.S. flag, a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, statements honoring the flag and a singing of the national anthem.

Several elected dignitaries and Masonic leaders attended the gathering, including Catasauqua Borough Shade Tree Commission leader and borough Councilman Eugene Schlegel and borough Mayor Barbara Schlegel.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong, dressed in period garb and wearing a three cornered hat, began his brief remarks with, “One if by land, two if by sea,” paying homage to Paul Revere and the effort to repel an expected British attack on Boston in 1775.

Armstrong concluded his remarks by thanking the Masons, all involved in the project and attendees for sharing this important dedication.

“We stand up for what’s right, and we never forget the past,” Armstrong said.

Barbara Schlegel thanked all in attendance.

“It is an honor to be here today and have this Liberty Tree dedication in Catasauqua,” Barbara Schlegel said. “We are Catasauqua proud.”