Permission given by The Dawes Arboretum to place cache
Cache is located on free-access, private property
Cache is only available during Arboretum open hours
The General John J. Pershing Tree Dedication at The Dawes Arboretum honors one of America’s most important military leaders. At Dawes, the dedication is listed as the dedication of Pershing Avenue, dedicated by John J. Pershing on December 22, 1929. The associated tree is a Valley Forge American elm, known scientifically as Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’.
John Joseph Pershing, often known as “Black Jack” Pershing, served in the U.S. Army across several major conflicts, including the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, the Mexican Border campaign, and World War I. His greatest role came during World War I, when he commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in France from 1917 to 1919.
After the war, Pershing was promoted to General of the Armies in 1919, the highest rank awarded to a U.S. Army officer during his lifetime. He later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1921 to 1924. Pershing was a friend of the Dawes family and agreed to dedicate his tree in the bitter cold surrounded by snow.
The elm is a fitting symbol for Pershing Avenue. American elms were once classic street and avenue trees, arching over roads and walkways across the country. At Dawes, Pershing’s dedication connects a living landscape with themes of service, leadership, remembrance, and the Arboretum’s long tradition of honoring people of national importance through trees
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About the Dutch Fork Wetlands: Dutch Fork Wetlands is a free access, 70-acre natural area at The Dawes Arboretum. It’s a restored wetland and grassland ecosystem with six pools, meadow habitat, boardwalks, flat gravel and grass trails, an observation deck, and a shelter house. It’s a great spot for a quiet walk, birding, wildlife viewing, and seeing wetland restoration in action.