6/29/26
Go out east and visit the "original" 13 Colonies and you will see many things surrounding the creation of the United States. People can still visit many original buildings and artifacts.
But in Illinois, we don't have too many historic artifacts that are as old as our country. But at Urbana Park District's Leal Park, there is a living monument to the past that is almost as old as the United States.
The "Constitutional Oak" out in front of the Cottage (the administrative building), has been certified by the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture as being at least 240 years old.
In 1987, the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution, those two organizations, certified the tree as "having lived here at the time of the signing of the Constitution" in 1787. So, the tree was already alive in 1787, making it at least 240 years old today.
There is a plaque at the base of the tree recognizing the age and historic significance of the tree.
So, as the United States celebrates 250 years this coming weekend, be sure to pay a visit to Leal Park at 303 W. University (on the south side of University Avenue, near the corner of University Avenue and Race Street) and check out a living monument to the tree almost as old as our country! Leal Park is as open dawn to dusk.
All are welcome!
