"Story and Legend of the Charter Oak Tree"

The tree stood in Hartford, Connecticut for over one thousand years, falling in a storm August 21, 1856. The following morning 'The Courant' newspaper reported the sad story ....... "The Charter Oak is Prostrate!"

Since October 1999 the Charter Oak tree has be seen throughout the country on the reverse side of 750 million Connecticut quarters. Why has the tree's fame and its' place in early American history been resurrected over 150 years later?

The tree was spared from cutting in 1637 at the request of Sequassen, a native American sachem.

Rev. Thomas Hooker

In 1639 the 'Fundamental Orders' were prepared by Rev. Thomas Hooker, founder of Hartford, with his own words, "The Foundation of Authority is laid firstly in the Free consent of the People." This document provided a basic principal of democracy and is considered to be the first constitution in the world establishing a written form of government giving the people the right to appoint their own governor and leaders and not the English monarch. The official name of Connecticut is 'Constitution State' because of this document.

In 1662 King Charles II of England granted Connecticut a Royal Charter based on the Fundamental Orders. With more settlements, boundaries were laid out -- Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, Long Island Sound on the south and to the west, the 'Southwestern Sea' (Pacific Ocean).

Following the death of Charles II in 1685, his brother, King James II, appointed Sir Edmund Andros Governor of all New England. From Boston in 1687 Andros demanded surrender of all New England Charters but Connecticut refused to grant his request. On October 31 Andros arrived in Hartford with 35 armed guards, prepared to demand surrender of Connecticut's Royal Charter in person. A meeting was arranged with Connecticut leaders in Sanford's Tavern.* Glowing candles lit the room with the Royal Charter on a table. Andrew Leete suddenly fell on the table extinguishing all candlelight. In the confusion of the darkened room the Charter was handed to Capt. Joseph Wadsworth through an open window. He ran down Meeting House Alley, crossed the Little River, and hid the Charter inside a large hole in the side of the ancient oak. The king and his New England representative were defied by brave, determined Connecticut men. The story and legend of the Charter Oak had begun!

* Some also say the incident may have taken place in the Meeting House about 200 feet north of Sanford's Tavern where the Old State House stands today.

Fundamental Orders seen foreground
John Haynes, first Ct governor 1639 (left).

Royal Charter hidden in the oak
Framed with carved wood from the tree.

Heritage Trails Sightseeing Tours
P. O. Box 138
Farmington, CT 06034-0138
860 677-8867