Washington, D.C.'s cherry blossom trees are approaching peak bloom, with expectations of drawing over one million visitors to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs through April 12. Remarkably, some of the original trees from more than a century ago still remain.
A Century of Friendship: The Cherry Blossom Story
The trees were initially a gift of friendship from Japan to the United States in 1912. The idea for planting cherry trees along the Potomac waterfront originated in 1885 with journalist Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore. After 24 years, her proposal was accepted.
In 1909, then-First Lady Helen Taft agreed to accept 2,000 donated cherry blossom trees. However, these trees were found to be infested with insects and diseased upon arrival in 1910, leading to their destruction to protect U.S. agriculture. Tokyo's Mayor Yukio Ozaki then suggested a second donation of 3,020 trees.
The 3,020 Japanese cherry blossom trees, comprising 12 different varieties, arrived in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 1912. First Lady Taft and Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted two Yoshino cherry blossom trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. As a gesture of thanks, President William Howard Taft sent at least 50 dogwood trees to Japan.
Festival's Evolution and Resilience
The first festival-like celebration occurred in 1927 with a reenactment of the initial tree planting by schoolchildren. The springtime Cherry Blossom Festival officially began in 1935.
Celebrations were suspended during World War II, and some trees were vandalized. Festivals resumed in 1948, reinstating a beloved tradition.
Enduring Symbol of Cherished Friendship
Former President Trump, during a dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, referred to the cherry blossom trees as "a living symbol of the cherished friendships" between the two nations.
Further solidifying this bond, Japan has pledged an additional 250 cherry blossom trees to the U.S. for America's 250th birthday, which are planned for planting near the Washington Monument.
Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, emphasized the importance of public engagement in understanding the trees' significance and supporting the National Park Service in their care.