Charter Oak Monument | Hartford

The Charter Oak Monument in Hartford, Connecticut, commemorates one of the most famous episodes in early American colonial history-the hiding of the Connecticut Colony’s Royal Charter of 1662 inside the hollow of a massive oak tree to prevent its seizure by the English authorities.

Historical Background

In 1662, King Charles II granted the Connecticut Colony a Royal Charter, which gave the colony a large degree of self-governance and control over its territory.

After the Glorious Revolution and political shifts in England, King James II sought to consolidate the New England colonies under a single government known as the Dominion of New England, led by royal governor Sir Edmund Andros.

In October 1687, Andros traveled to Hartford to demand the surrender of the charter.

During a dramatic meeting at the Old State House, the candles in the room were suddenly extinguished, and in the confusion, the charter disappeared.

According to tradition, it was hidden in the hollow of a massive white oak tree on the property of Captain Joseph Wadsworth. This tree became known as the Charter Oak, a symbol of colonial defiance and self-rule.

The Charter Oak Tree

The original tree stood on what is now the intersection of Charter Oak Avenue and Charter Oak Place in Hartford.

It lived for centuries as a local landmark and symbol of freedom, but in August 1856, the historic oak was felled during a violent storm.

Wood from the tree was preserved and used to create symbolic objects, including chairs for the Connecticut State Capitol and ceremonial artifacts.

The Monument

In 1905, the Charter Oak Monument was erected near the site of the fallen tree to preserve its memory.

The monument consists of a bronze plaque mounted on a large boulder, marking the approximate spot where the legendary oak once stood.

The plaque recounts the story of the hiding of the charter and honors the symbolic role the tree played in Connecticut’s history.

Symbolism and Legacy

The Charter Oak became:

A state symbol of liberty and independence, representing resistance to centralized royal authority.

Featured on Connecticut’s state quarter (2000) and on the official Connecticut State Seal and various emblems.

A reminder of the colony’s tradition of self-governance, which carried forward into the American Revolution and the founding principles of the United States.

Present-Day Significance

Today, the Charter Oak Monument serves as a historical marker and educational site. Visitors can reflect on the story of the tree and its role in shaping Connecticut’s identity as the “Constitution State,” a nickname rooted in its early embrace of self-rule and democratic principles.

It is less a grand memorial than a quiet but powerful tribute, connecting Hartford’s present streetscape with one of the defining legends of colonial America.