Treaty Monument

“Treaty Monument. This monument stands near the intersection of Hanover and Beach Streets, Kensington, on the spot where the celebrated Treaty Tree stood. The tree was blown down in 1810, when it was ascertained to be 283 years old. When the British were in possession of Philadelphia, during the winter of 1778, their foraging parties were out in every direction for fuel. To protect this tree from the ax, Colonel Simcoe, of the Queen’s Rangers, placed a sentinel under it. Of its remains, many chairs, vases, work-stands, and other articles have been made. The commemorative monument was erected by the Penn Society. Upon it are the following inscriptions: North Side: ‘Treaty ground of William Penn and the indian nation, 1682. Unbroken Faith.’ South Side: ‘William Penn, born 1644. Died, 1718.’ West Side: ‘Placed by the Penn Society, A. D. 1827, to mark the site of the great Elm Tree.’ East Side: ‘Pennsylvania founded, 1681, by deeds of Peace.’"—Lossing, 1851

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