Every child in America has heard the story of George Washington and his cherry tree, but few know the origin of the tale, and the controversy it stirred. The story is first attributed to Parson Weems, an author who published the tale in The Life of Washington in 1800. Weems claimed to have interviewed people who knew Washington as a child, and the legend of the cherry tree grew from there. Nearly 100 years later, Woodrow Wilson would write his own biography of Washington, and insisted that the cherry tree story was a myth. This came to be the general consensus over time, despite the fact that none of Washington’s relatives ever spoke out against its accuracy. Regardless, the story of Washington and his Cherry Tree has stood the test of time.

This impressive piece includes a pair of fragments removed from an 18th Century document, containing over 40 words written in Washington’s own hand, including his rare full signature and a never seen before reference to his cherry tree. The 2 fragments are mounted just below a reproduction of the 1939 Grant Wood painting entitled “Parson Weems Fable”. Next to this reproduction is a painting of George Washington, and below this painting is a plaque entitled “George Washington and his Cherry Tree”, detailing the significance of these document fragments. Each fragment, both paintings and the plaque are all framed in gold on a bluish-green background. Item is mounted in an impressive gold frame. Black back paper is taped to back of frame, over what appears to be a dust cover, and includes a hanging wire for wall mounting. Item is accompanied by an LOA from JSA.

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