Cherry Tree Protest at Jefferson Memorial site

Item

Item sets
Mall Histories
Washington
Title
Cherry Tree Protest at Jefferson Memorial site
Date
11/17/1938-11/19/1938
Description
In November 1938 a group of white women led by Eleanor Patterson, owner of the Washington Times-Herald, protested the removal of cherry trees from the Tidal Basin to make way for the Jefferson Memorial. On November 18, the women chained themselves to trees at the Memorial worksite and stole workmen's shovels. Their tactics delayed cherry tree removal until officials convinced the women that after the removal of cherry trees to make way for the Memorial, more would be planted elsewhere along the Tidal Basin.
Source
"Roosevelt Curbs Tree 'Rebellion,'" New York Times, November 19, 1938.
Coverage
1920-1949
Event Type
Marches and Rallies