Arbutus Oak, Historic white oak tree at interstate junction in Arbutus, Maryland, US
The Arbutus Oak was a white oak standing at the intersection of Interstate 95 and 695 in Arbutus, Maryland. The tree remained in this busy area for decades before eventually falling in 2019.
The tree was present during 1781 when Lafayette and his troops passed by during the Revolutionary War campaign. It survived this period and was later deliberately spared during highway construction in the 1950s.
Native American artifacts discovered near the tree during highway construction revealed the area's significance to indigenous peoples.
The area around the former tree was publicly accessible despite its location beside a busy highway. After the oak naturally declined, there is little to see at the site today, though the history is recorded in local documents.
Highway designers specifically modified the ramp design during Interstate 95 construction in the 1950s to protect the oak. Native American artifacts were discovered beneath the tree, revealing the site's importance to indigenous populations.
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