Sketch of the Charter Oak Tree |
Heritage Trails Sightseeing Tours
Follow the Route of the Charter Oak Tree Interesting Facts Tour Information Contact Us More Heritage Trails Tours |
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"Story and Legend of the Charter Oak Tree" |
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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!"
* * * Learn the whole story, either on our bus tour , slide program or book * * *
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The tree was spared from cutting in 1637 at the request of Sequassen, a native American sachem. |
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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 which can be seen on our two hour bus and walking tour
FOLLOW THE ROUTE OF
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Rev. Thomas Hooker
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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). |
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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! |
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What happened next? Find out on our tour , from our book , or the author can give a slide presentation to your group, school, church, college, retirement home, historical society or organization . * 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.
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FOLLOW THE ROUTE OF
THE CHARTER OAK TREE TOUR |
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Available Monday thru Saturday, year-round. Bus and walking tour. See the Fundamental Orders, Royal Charter, where Sanford's Tavern was located, travel the route of Capt. Wadsworth, see where the tree stood and what marks the location today. Please click-on step-on guide for prices. |
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Fundamental Orders seen foreground
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Royal Charter hidden in the oak
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