John Quincy Adams Commemorative – American Elm

John Quincy Adams, 1858, George Healy, Oil on Canvas

White House Collection / White House Historical Association

Ulmus americana

In 1826, President John Quincy Adams (1825–1829) planted an American elm on the South Grounds of the White House, near the top of what is known as the eastern Jefferson mound. This tree became known as the John Quincy Adams Elm, the earliest commemorative tree associated with an American President. A student of horticulture, Adams was highly enthusiastic about trees and gardens during his presidency, establishing a nursey on the Southwest Grounds and cultivating over 700 saplings during his tenure.

Prior to his presidency, Adams played a role in the creation of the first botanical garden in Washington during his time as secretary of state in President James Monroe's administration. Adams’ motivation for planting trees on the grounds was described, in his own words, as “more for the public than for myself.” Working closely with head gardener John Ousley, Adams actively changed landscape of the White House and set a precedent for the role of the President in shaping the grounds for future generations.

After growing for more than 160 years on the White House Grounds, the John Quincy Adams elm was cut down in 1991. Several descendant trees were planted in the years before and following the tree’s removal, but unfortunately these all eventually succumbed to Dutch Elm disease. One such example was a descendant tree planted by First Lady Barbara Bush in 1991, which lived on the White House Grounds until it was removed in 2015. Today, a preserved section of the original John Quincy Adams elm can be seen on exhibit at the White House Visitor Center.

 

John Quincy Adams Elm on the White House Grounds (center) (1984).

White House Collection / White House Historical Association

 

A section of the John Quincy Adams Elm on display at the White House Visitor Center, 2025.

NPS / Seth Dorcus

 

White House

Commemorative Tree Plantings