Clement Oak facts for kids
The Clement Oak is a very old and large white oak tree. You can find it in Deptford, New Jersey. This amazing tree is thought to have started growing a long, long time ago, sometime between the years 1555 and 1615. That means it's over 400 years old!
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Where the Clement Oak Lives
The Clement Oak stands behind the Wal-Mart store in Deptford. It's also close to Big Timber Creek. The land where the tree grows used to belong to a family named Clement.
When the Wal-Mart store was first planned, the builders wanted to cut down the tree. But people convinced Wal-Mart to change their plans. This way, the special Clement Oak could be saved!
How Big is the Clement Oak?
This tree is truly huge! In 2011, its trunk measured about 20 feet (6.1 m) around. That's like wrapping a measuring tape around it at 4.5 feet (1.4 m) from the ground.
The Clement Oak is also very tall, reaching about 90 feet (27 m) into the sky. Its branches spread out wide, covering an area of over 100 feet (30 m).
A Tree with a Long History
The Clement Oak has been an important landmark for centuries.
Known by Native Americans
Long ago, the native Lenape people knew about this tree. Early European settlers also noticed it. The tree was even used as a guide point in old land surveys.
Local stories say that the Lenape held special gatherings, called pow wows, under the tree. Some stories also say that a peace agreement between settlers and the Lenape was signed there.
Honored in New Jersey
In 1964, New Jersey celebrated its 300th birthday. During this celebration, the Gloucester County Historical Society honored the Clement Oak.
First Flight in America
The Clement Oak is famous for another historical event. It was the landing spot for the very first aerial flight in the New World!
Blanchard's Balloon Flight
On January 9, 1793, a man named Jean-Pierre Blanchard took off in a hot air balloon. He started his flight in Philadelphia. His journey ended when he landed right at the Clement Oak in Deptford.
A Special Letter
During his flight, Blanchard might have carried a personal letter. This letter was from George Washington, who was the first President of the United States. The letter was meant for whoever owned the land where Blanchard landed.
If this story is true, it would mean Blanchard's flight was the first time air mail was delivered in the United States! The letter also supposedly asked all U.S. citizens to help Blanchard return to Philadelphia. This was important because Blanchard did not speak English. This would make it the first known use of a blood chit for an airman. A blood chit is a document carried by military personnel to ask for help from local people.
Plaques and Recent Changes
You can find two special plaques at the Clement Oak.
Commemorating the Flight
One plaque remembers Blanchard's historic balloon flight.
Honoring the Tree
The second plaque celebrates the tree itself. It says: "The Clement Oak, which sheltered Lenape hunters 4 centuries ago and children at play in later years, is dedicated during the tercentenary of New Jersey as symbolic of the state's continuing growth – Gloucester County Historical Society July 1964".
Recent Damage
Sadly, on June 4, 2020, a large part of the Clement Oak was damaged. The entire top half of the tree was torn away. Only a few green branches are left.
