The Great Elm in Boston Common

The “Great Elm” was a landmark in Colonoal Boston located on the Common. While there are many trees today, the Common was once a cow pasture and the single elm tree became a gathering place for early Bostonians.
The tree had a dark history as well, as it was used for public executions. Pirates, those accused of witchcraft, and other crimes were hanged on the tree. If you walk uphill to the State House, you’ll find a statue of Mary Dyer that notes she was executed on the Common.
The tree stood until 1876, when a Gale brought it down. The tree was cut up and the wood used for various items- including a chair owned by the Boston Public Library.