Liberty Tree Plantings

May 19, 2024
Honesdale Central Park, 901 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431

Having not been formed until 1798, there was not a lot of action in Wayne County during the Revolutionary War; however, the county was named for General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero and a Freemason. He was famous for his victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Ohio. General Wayne died at Preque Isle less than two years before the county was created.

May 19, 2024
War Monument Park, at the corner of Broad Street and East Hight Street, Milford, PA 18337

During the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Raymondskill took place in 1780. Members of the militia from New Jersey and Pennsylvania marched into the vicinity of Raymondskill Falls after discovering the presence of Native American raiders. Ambushed upon arrival, the ensuing battle left 12 men dead and more wounded. Years later, this county was named after Brigadier General and Army Captain Zebulon Pike, a Freemason, who discovered Pike’s Peak in Colorado.

Oct. 21, 2023
Wyoming Monument, US 11, Wyoming Avenue and Susquehanna Avenue, Wyoming, PA 18644

On July 3, 1778, local patriots banded together to defend the valley against a raid by Loyalist and indigenous forces. In the brutal massacre that followed, 360 men, women and children lost their lives. It was not until October 1778 that the commanding officer of Fort Wyoming felt the area safe enough to return and begin recovery of the bodies. The monument marks the location of the bones of victims from the Battle of Wyoming (also known as the Wyoming Massacre). The architect who designed the Wyoming Monument, Thomas Ustick Walter, was a Freemason.

October 29, 2023

Old Mill, 5818 Hamilton Road E, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

In June 1779, Brother and General George Washington ordered General John Sullivan to subdue the Iroquois Indians, who had conducted raids against the colonists on behalf of the British. General Sullivan and his army marched through Pennsylvania en route to New York, stopping at Jacob Brinker’s Mill (now Old Mill), which stored vital provisions for Sullivan’s expedition. One of New Hampshire’s delegates to the First and Second Continental Congress, Sullivan displayed courage and leadership throughout the Revolutionary War. He served as Attorney General of New Hampshire from 1782 - 1786, then as Governor from 1786 - 1787 and again in 1789. He was Speaker of the House in 1788 and President of the Constitutional Convention, which ratified the Federal Constitution. President Washington appointed him as the first judge of the Federal District Court in 1789, a position he held until his death. Sullivan was the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire.

Oct. 30, 2021
Pennypacker Mills Park, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 

In the fall of 1777, Brother and General George Washington and his Continental Army camped twice on the grounds at Pennypacker Mills. Washington used the mansion house as his headquarters as plans were made for the Battle of Germantown. Following their defeat, the Army retreated and camped at Pennypacker Mills again, using it as a field hospital for injured soldiers.

Pennsylvania Governor Brother Samuel Pennypacker, whose family owned the property for eight generations, lived on the grounds for much of his term in office (1903–1907) and until his death in 1916. As Governor, he signed into law the Child Labor Act of 1905, which set a minimum age and standard for young workers; created the Pennsylvania State Police and the State Museum; and oversaw the completion of the new state capitol building.

Oct. 17, 2023
Chambers Fort Park, 40 Spring Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201

Fort Chambers Park is the site of the former fort and original settlement of Chambersburg. The park’s Founding Family statue depicts Chambersburg founder Benjamin Chambers welcoming his son, James, and grandson, Benjamin, home from the American War for Independence. A renowned officer during the Revolutionary War, General James Chambers served alongside General George Washington. Recognizing the unity and moral principles that Freemasonry promoted, Washington encouraged his officers to join the fraternity. Chambers heeded the call, strengthening the sense of brotherhood among the officers and creating bonds that transcended their military ranks. Post-war, Chambers played a key role in organizing the first Masonic lodge in Chambersburg and served as its first Worshipful Master.

May 7, 2024
Venango County Courthouse, 1174 Elk Street, Franklin, PA 16323

One of the most prominent Freemasons was Benjamin Franklin, after whom this county seat was named. Franklin was initiated in 1731 at St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia and served as Grand Master three years later. In fact, he published the first Masonic book in America. An active Mason for 60 years, he was elected a Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England in 1760. As an ambassador, he successfully sought French support for the American fight for independence, and eventually, affiliated with Masonic lodges in France, as well. Not only did Franklin make a lasting impact on American society with his inventions, discoveries, and accomplishments, but his social and political contributions changed the course of history.

May 30, 2024
Mercer County Conservation District, 24 Avalon Court, Suite 200, Mercer, PA 16137

Mercer County was named after Revolutionary War hero, General Hugh Mercer, who practiced as a doctor and owned land in this area. During the French and Indian War, Mercer befriended General George Washington and joined his Masonic lodge in Fredericksburg, Virginia. While commanding a brigade of the Continental Army in the Battle of Trenton, he was thrown from his horse and mistaken for General Washington. Surrounded by British troops, he refused to surrender and drew his sword. He perished days later from his wounds, called “brave and worthy” by Washington himself. Our country’s history is filled with similar stories of courageous men – of Freemasons – fighting for liberty.

Oct. 1, 2023
Historic Hanna's Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601

Established in 1773, Hanna’s Town was the site of the first seat of government for Westmoreland County. After the shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, the local citizens adopted the Hanna’s Town Resolves to protest injustices of the British Parliament and establish a local militia. In one of the final battles of the Revolutionary War, Hanna’s Town was attacked and burned on July 13, 1782, by a raiding party of Seneca Indians and their British allies. The raid was led by Guyasuta, a powerful Seneca chief, who had accompanied George Washington on his 1753 trip to the French Fort Le Boeuf. Guyasuta later fought with the French during the French and Indian War, and then in Pontiac’s War, including the turning point Battle of Bushy Run, which took place in Westmoreland County. In 1770, Guyasuta and George Washington met again; Guyasuta shared his buffalo meat and let Washington and his men stay at his campsite. During the Revolution, however, Guyasuta sided with the British. Afterward, he worked hard to build peaceful relations with the new nation.

Oct. 1, 2023
Fort Necessity National Battlefield, One Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437

In May 1754, 22-year-old British Lt. Col. George Washington, his soldiers and Native American allies successfully ambushed a contingent of encroaching French soldiers. On July 3, Brother Washington and his troops were attacked by the French at Fort Necessity and forced to surrender (the only surrender of Washington’s career). The war that emerged, the French and Indian War, spread around the globe and set the conditions for the American Revolution two decades later.

May 31, 2024
Entrance to Presque Isle State Park, 2860 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505 (6th St. & Peninsula Drive)
Erie County was originally inhabited by Native Americans. While the French and English had built temporary military settlements here, there was not a lot of action during the Revolutionary War. Afterward, during an expedition to Ohio, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero and a Freemason, built a new American fort at Presque Isle. Nearby, a town, renamed Erie, began to grow.

May 30, 2024
Baldwin–Reynolds House & Museum Property, 697 Terrace Street, Meadville, PA 16335
Crawford County was originally inhabited by the Iroquois Indians and other tribes. It is named in honor of Colonel William Crawford, an early military hero. After the Revolutionary War, the Commonwealth allocated land to its soldiers as a bonus settlement. Supreme Court Justice and Freemason Henry Baldwin and his wife, Sally, built the mansion on this property previously owned by Revolutionary War veteran Samuel Lord. After Henry’s passing, the property remained in Sally’s family until it was purchased by the historical society in 1963.

June 15, 2024

Colonial Industrial Quarter, 459 Old York Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018

The Colonial Industrial Quarter is considered America’s earliest industrial park because early Moravian settlers built their community along the Monocacy Creek and the Lehigh River, operating various mills, shops and foundries for their crafts, trades and industries. While this area did not see combat during the Revolutionary War, it served a vital purpose. On two occasions, General Washington ordered his medical officers to use a large communal building in Bethlehem as a military “hospital.” In 1777, the Marquis de Lafayette, along with some of his French officers, were wounded during the battle of Brandywine and cared for at the Sun Inn in Bethlehem. Washington had given directions that Lafayette, his Masonic brother and ally, was to be treated "as if he were my son."

June 15, 2024

George Taylor House, 35 S. Front Street, Catasauqua, PA 18032

The George Taylor House was the home of Founding Father George Taylor, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Some of the first resistance to British colonialism began in present-day Lehigh County, as patriot militias pressured Tories out of Allentown and the surrounding area. After the Continental Army was defeated at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, the Liberty Bell was moved from Philadelphia and hidden in present-day Allentown to prevent the British Army from melting it for use as munitions.

June 15, 2024

Weissport Park, Bridge and Franklin Streets, Weissport, PA 18032

As inscribed on the statue of Benjamin Franklin in the northwestern corner of the beautiful Weissport Park, this was once the site of Fort Allen. The first of several frontier defenses erected by Benjamin Franklin for Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War, it was used as a base of supplies and as a rendezvous for troops. The fort was also used for a short time during the Revolutionary War. Franklin was one of many famous Freemasons instrumental not only in the fight for the liberty, but the foundation of our country, as well as countless inventions, businesses, and charities we continue to benefit from today.

June 22, 2024

Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, 785 PA-87, Montoursville, PA 17754

The site of the Tiadaghton Elm is where, on July 4, 1776, the Fair Play Men declared independence from England. Since these settlers had established their own system in a local territory claimed by Native Americans, they were not aware that the Second Continental Congress had declared independence the same day.

June 22, 2024

Williamsport Cemetery, Washington Blvd &, Railway St, Williamsport, PA 17701

More than 3,500 souls have been interred in the Williamsport Cemetery, including 187 military veterans, ranging from the Revolutionary War through the Korean War. Among its notable interments are: Michael Ross, Williamsport founder; Reverend Benjamin Crever, founder of what is now Lycoming College; William Packer, 14th Governor of Pennsylvania who was also a Freemason; former mayor George Harris; Judge Joseph B. Anthony; and many Past Masters of Ivy Lodge No. 106. The cemetery is managed and maintained by a small group of volunteers, of which 80% are brothers of Ivy Lodge No. 106.

September 28, 2024

Knox & Kane Rail Trail, 111 Biddle Street, Kane, PA 16735

McKean County was named after Founding Father Thomas McKean, who served as a Colonel in the Pennsylvania militia during the Revolutionary War. He also was a Delaware delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, for which he served as President. A signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, McKean served as the second Governor of Pennsylvania, as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and as President of the state of Delaware prior to that role being renamed Governor. Although no records of his Masonic membership have been found, McKean was listed as a visitor in the records of Perseverance Lodge No. 21, and his family's papers state he was a Mason.

September 26, 2024

VFW Park 1000 Walker Street, Dickson City, PA, United States

The VFW Park is in the process of building a monument to commemorate veterans from all branches of the military, including a water feature, benches, an American flag and walkways by the end of 2026, making it an ideal place for a Liberty Tree.

September 28, 2024

General Joseph Warren Park, 301 Poplar Street, Warren, PA 16365

Warren County is named after Joseph Warren, a physician, politician, and arguably one of the most important Patriot leaders during the early days of the American Revolution. It was Warren who sent Paul Revere and William Dawes on their midnight ride in 1775 to warn that the “British were coming” to raid the town of Concord and arrest fellow Sons of Liberty John Hancock and Samuel Adams. He was appointed to the Boston Committee of Correspondence and as President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.

Warren is quoted as saying, “Now is no time for one of America's children to shrink from the most hazardous duty; I will either set my country free, or shed my last drop of blood to make her so." True to his word, he fought in the battles of Lexington and Concord, and although commissioned a major general before the Battle of Bunker Hill, he chose to fight as a private soldier and was killed in combat.

Brother Joseph Warren was a member of St. Andrew's Lodge, as were John Hancock and Paul Revere. He also served as Grand Master of Massachusetts and was appointed Grand Master of Masons for the Continent of America by the Grand Master of Scotland.

September 28, 2024

Forest County Courthouse, 526 Elm St., Tionesta, PA 16353

The Liberty Tree is appropriately planted near the Forest County War Memorial, a monument honoring those from Forest County who served in the U.S. military, beginning with the American Revolution.

October 26, 2024

Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977

Washington Crossing Historic Park is the site where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River and turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. In the winter of 1776, General George Washington and his army had experienced only defeat and despair; the War for Independence was failing. The morale of the troops was at an all-time low, as they suffered from a lack of food and warm clothing. Undeterred, General Washington devised a bold and daring plan. That December, he and his soldiers crossed the Delaware River at night through blinding sleet and snow. They then marched 10 long miles to Trenton and attacked the Hessians. This resounding victory re-ignited the cause of freedom and gave new life to the American Revolution, as the army returned to Pennsylvania with prisoners and spoils.

October 26, 2024

Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, PA

More than 3,000 men from Berks County volunteered to fight during the war, with 2,000 participating the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. Because of its strategic location, Reading served as an important supply depot throughout the war, particularly during the Continental Army’s stay at Valley Forge. Ammunition, food and clothing for the troops were stored in Reading and produced by local businesses and tradesmen. Prisoners of war were also held in the area.

October 17, 2024

York Colonial Courthouse, 205 W. Market Street, York, PA 17401

In 1777, the Second Continental Congress moved to York from Philadelphia to escape the advancing British. Under the direction of General Washington, the York County Revolutionary War Militia offered protection while York served as the capital of the United States for nine months. During this time, Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, signed the French Treaty of Alliance and proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving.

October 17, 2024

Fort Hunter, 5300 N. Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Fort Hunter was built in 1755 by Samuel Hunter, a former British Lieutenant who went on to serve as a Colonel and Commander for the Continental Army. Established in 1785, Dauphin County was formed from part of Lancaster County and named after the oldest son of King Louis XVI (the 16th) of France, who helped the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. Area settlers contributed to the war efforts financially, by serving in the militia and by mass-producing muskets and rifles for the Continental Army. The state capital, Harrisburg, was named after John Harris Jr., whose father established the first ferry across the Susquehanna, which transported supplies for the Continental Army.

October 19, 2024

Cornwall Iron Furnace, 94 Rexmont Road, Cornwall, PA 17016

Cornwall Iron Furnace manufactured and supplied much of the iron for the Continental Army's cannons and munitions during the Revolutionary War.

October 7, 2024

Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd., Portersville, PA 16051

Butler County, the city of Butler and the General Richard Butler Bridge were all named for Revolutionary War hero, General Richard Butler. Butler fought at Valley Forge, Monmouth, Saratoga and Yorktown, including in the battle that settled the war in America’s favor. He served with George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and many more of his Masonic brothers. After the war, he served as a judge in Pittsburgh and represented the districts of Allegheny and Westmoreland in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

October 8, 2024

Greene County Veterans Memorial Park, 900 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370

Although Greene County was not established until after the Revolutionary War, many settlers, pioneers, and patriots living within its boundaries played significant roles in the War for Independence.

October 12, 2024

McVeytown Community Park, 10 N. Queen St., McVeytown, PA 17051

Mifflin County, as well as Fort Mifflin, were named after General Thomas Mifflin, a Revolutionary War hero and Founding Father who fought and served among famous Freemasons George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. General Mifflin served in the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, the First Continental Congress, as President of the Constitutional Convention for Pennsylvania, President of Congress and as Pennsylvania’s first Governor. He signed the United States Constitution and presided over the committee that wrote Pennsylvania's state constitution.

October 12, 2024

Howard Elmer Park, 200 S. Elmer Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840

Although Bradford County was not established until after the Revolutionary War, many settlers, pioneers and patriots living within its boundaries played significant roles in the War for Independence. Notably, General George Washington celebrated St. John’s Day in 1779 with his Masonic brethren serving in the region. The county is named in honor of William Bradford, a lawyer, judge and Freemason from Philadelphia who volunteered to serve as a private but rose to the rank of Colonel in the Continental Army. Bradford went on to serve as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General and as a Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, before being appointed United States Attorney General by then-President George Washington. In nearby Athens, Rural Amity Lodge No. 70 was founded in 1796; several of its members were Revolutionary War veterans.

October 12, 2024

Westminster United Presbyterian Church Cemetery, North Street, Mifflintown, PA 17059

Named for the river flowing through it, Juniata County was not established until after the Revolutionary War. Many settlers living within its boundaries, however, played significant roles in the War for Independence. When the native Iroquois Indians formed an alliance with the British during the Revolutionary War, loyal patriots formed a militia and guarded General Washington’s flank against Indian attacks. Several Revolutionary War veterans are laid to rest in this cemetery.