In February of 1732, George Washington was born in Virginia. Aged just six-years-old, Washington became famous for being the first President of the United States, but even more so for chopping down his father’s beloved cherry tree. To this day, the story of this infamous act still captures the imagination of Americans young and old.
According to legend, upon discovering the damage to his prized tree, George Washington’s father, Augustine, asked him “Who did this?”. Young George was supposedly gleeful and honest in his response; “I cannot tell a lie, father. I did it with my hatchet.” Augustine, amazed by his son’s honesty, supposedly replied: “My son, that is a sign you will become an honest man.”
But despite its appeal as a classic tale of honesty and morality, many dispute the factual basis of this story. There is not a single record of the cherry tree story written before 1806 and the first recorded version of it appeared the same year Washington was killed. Experts believe this evidence, along with the lack of documented sources, means the story is most likely a myth.
It’s thought that the story of George Washington and the cherry tree was created by Parson Weems, a biographer of Washington who was keen to emphasise Washington’s moral fortitude. Through his invented story, Weems was able to solidify young George as a symbol of honesty, manliness and patriotism among people of all ages.
Yet, while many argue the story of Washington’s cherry tree is false, even the most sceptical of Americans now seek to find elements of truth in this stories. It is thought that Washington was a naturally honest person, a trait that was deeply important to him and his affairs. Washington himself wrote about the significance of moral integrity in a letter to his nephew in 1784, thereby giving biological credibility to Weems’ invented story.
In recent years, the story of George Washington and his beloved tree has become accepted regardless of its factual accuracy. Whether it’s presented as a lesson of honesty and moral judgement, or a reminder of Washington’s legacy as the first president of the United States, the cherry tree continues to capture the imagination of Americans far and wide.
The Influence of the Story
The story of George Washington and his cherry tree has become an enduring symbol in the United States. It is both an inspiring tale for young people and a reminder of the moral character of the nation’s Founding Father.
From Presidential Libraries to historic sites, the cherry tree story lives on long after Washington himself. Numerous monuments seek to capture the spirit of the nation’s first president, with a replica of the beloved cherry tree a prominent feature in many.
Additionally, Washington’s famous story is a popular subject in literature, with numerous books and films portraying the tale in different contexts. This includes even the classic children’s books, such as ‘The Story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree’ by Margaret Knight and ‘George Washington’s Birthday: A Mostly True Tale’ by Margaret C. Hall.
Analyzing its Popularity
It is the cherry tree story, more than any other aspect of Washington’s life, that continues to be the focus of modern Americans. But why?
Firstly, many suggest the appealing nature of the story lies in its simplicity. The tale does not require much explanation or complex opinion from the reader. It is enough simply to appreciate that Washington was honest, courageous and publicly acknowledged as such.
Other theorists believe the story appeals to childhood, with Washington’s actions adopted as a form of role play and representation of morality. The cherry tree captures the imagination in a way few other stories do, and thus, its power and universal appeal remains constant.
Modern Applications
Today, numerous organizations and schools use the story of the cherry tree to emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity. It continues to be used to inspire young people and to remind modern Americans of the lessons of the past.
For example, the National Cherry Tree Monument in Washington DC is an apparent symbol of the nation’s early history, while several educational organizations seek to use the story in their programs. This includes the American Library of Congress’ Teacher’s Guide to Fourth Grade Honesty and the Washington Elementary School’s George Washington Honesty Society.
Conclusion
From the moment Augustine asked George his famous question, the story of the cherry tree has been an ageless tale. Whether or not it is true does not detract from its legacy, or the importance of the story to modern America.
Today, George Washington and the cherry tree is a timeless symbol of honesty and personal integrity, as much a part of the nation’s history as its first President himself. For many, it is a reminder of what is possible, and an ever-present symbol of the power of truth.
