The 16th Street World War 1 Tree Memorial

On May 30, 1920, Memorial Day, a crowd including many veterans gathered at this intersection to dedicate the first of 507 Norway maples that would make up DC's 16th Street World War I Tree Memorial. Assistant Secretary of War Benedict Crowell and DC Commissioner Louis Brownlow spoke, the Marine Corps Band performed, and a Navy chaplain offered prayers. The American Legion planted the trees in the stretch between Allison Street and Alaska Avenue. A copper plaque atop the 6-inch-tall concrete post next to each tree was engraved with the name of one DC casualty of “The World War” (1917-1918). In early 1922, another 23 trees and markers were added between Varnum and Allison streets for individuals who had been left out earlier. At the height of segregation, the memorial honored all equally, regardless of race or gender. On subsequent Memorial Days, people decorated the trees and markers with flags and poppies. Over time, though, the 2.3-mile-long memorial faded from memory. Trees died or were removed during street work, and the plaques disappeared. Only a few of the posts are visible in the ground today.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States