MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST NR Eligible: yes DETERMINATION 0F ELIGIBILITY FORM no
Property Name: Linden oak inventory Number: M: 30-14
Address: Beach Drive and Roclrville pike (MD 355) Historic district: yes x no
City: Bethesda Zip code: 20895 County : Montgomery
USGS Quadrangle(s): Kensington
Property owner: Maryland-National capital park and planning commission Tax Account lD Number: 07-00428301
Tax Map parcel Number(s): IIf23 TaxMapNumber: P914
Project: MD 355 BRT planning project study Ageney: Montgomery county Department of Transpo
Agency prepared By: Dovetail cultural Resource Group
Preparer's Nanie: Adriana Moss Date prepared: 7/20/2018
Documentation is presented in: N/A
Preparer's Eligibility Recommendation: Eligibility recommended X Eligibility not recommended
Criteria : A 8 C D Cons iderations : A 8 C D E F G
Complete if the property is a contribwhng or non-contributing resource to a NR district/property:
Name of the District/Property :
Inventory Number: Eligible: yes Listed: yes
SitevisitbyMHTstaff _ yes X no Name: Date:
Desoription o£P[operty and lustifiicwion.. (Please attach map andphoto)
Setting:
The resource, a white oak tree (quercus alba), is located on the north side of Beach Drive at the intersection of Rockville Pike (MD 355), Beach Drive, and Grosvenor Lane in Rock Creek Regional Park in North Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland. This area of ho 355 is densely populated around the park with commercial and residential properties; the Red Line of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rail system is 0.04 mile to the west, and the Interstate (I)-495 and I-270 interchange is approximately 0.25 mile southwest of the resource. The tree was previously surveyed in 1976 and identified as the Linden Oak (Lodge 1978). The resource currently sits on a 2.3-acre lot owned by the Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission Q4-NCPPC) and is a part of Rock Creek Park; however the boundaries of the resource include the tree and its commemorative plaques (State Department of Assessments and Taxation [SDAT] 2018). The tree is immediately surrounded by other vegetation, matured trees, and a manicured grass lawn. The tree, which is estimated to be the oldest white oak in Montgomery County, is set back north from the poured-concrete public sidewalk that lines Beach Drive and Grosvenor Lane (Lodge 1978).
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M: 30-14 Linden Oak
Architectural Description :
The tree, known as the Linden Oak, is a white oak tree (quercus alba) which is said to date to circa 1718 (Lodge 1978). In a 2018 survey by the Maryland Big Tree Program, they measured the circumference of the tree's trunk as 243 inches, its height as 94 feet, and its spread as 123.5 feet (Maryland Big Tree Program 2018). According to their study, the "tree has significant rot on north side of trunk and has lost several limbs. There is some significant dead wood in crown. Tree gained 5" in circulnference since 2008" (Maryland Big Tree Program 2018). "Though the Linden Oak has lost a major branch, it is generally in good condition. Cables support the tree's branches in a preventative measure" (Kelly 2011 :246).
Three metal plaques fixed to two boulders located southwest of the tree were placed there in July 1976. One boulder contains two plaques: one of the plaques read "Maryland Bicentennial Tree, It has stood its ground survived the American Revolution and Continues to Serve an Appreciative Nation, July 1976, Maryland Bicentennial Commission, Maryland Forest Service" while the other provides a statement about the tree type and recognition of bicentennial status as well as a historic photo. The other boulder contains one plaque which reads: "The Linden Oak -This oldest White Oak tree in Montgomery County was saved from destruction by the Metro construction in 1973 by Idanae Garrott. A great champion of the people and of the environment, Ms. Garrott served for eight years on the Montgomery County Council, eight years in the Maryland House of Delegates and eight years in the Maryland Senate. Montgomery County Department of park and Planning."
Historic Context:
The eighteenth-century white oak known as Linden Oak is located on the east side of h® 355, historically known as the Georgetown and Rockville Turnpike or Turnpike Road, between the City of Rockville and town of Bethesda that was historically occupied by large agricultural properties. Although Maryland was filled with many faming-based settlements throughout the seventeenth century, Montgomery County was not a prime location for large-scale agriculture due to the natural barriers of the region; however, land owners were persistent anyway (Mary Means & Associates, Inc. 2002:8). In the beginning of the eighteenth century, much of the land in the southern part of Maryland was occupied by tenant farmers (Mary Means & Associates, Inc. 2002:8). During this time, Rockville initially began as a small settlement, known as Hungerford's Tavern, and stopover point for farmers transporting tobacco from the town of Frederick, Maryland to Georgetown (then a part of Virginia) (Dryden 2009; City of Rockville 2018). The area in which the Linden Oak is located has been settled since the eighteenth century according the Maryland Big Tree Progran's date estimates (Maryland Big Tree Program 2018). The earliest owner of the land on which the Linden Oak sits was identified to be Thomas Cramphin Q4ontgomery County Deed Book [MCDB] JGH 3 :83-85). The land comprised portions of tracts called ``Leek Forest" and "Dann" (MCDB JGH 3:83-85). Two patents dated 1772 and 1786 were identified for ``Leek Forest" (also seen as Forrest) and noted to contain 411 acres; however, they were not available for viewing and specific metes and bounds are unknown (Montgomery County Plat Book [MCPB] GS 43:385, GS 47:29).
In 1836, the land was subdivided and "Lot 2," which contained the white oak, was transferred to Thomas Duffy by the 1840s (MCDB JGH 3 :83-85). Thomas Dufty was an Irish farmer with a large family consisting of his wife, Sarah, and his children, Thomas, Peter, Michael, Catherine, William, and Rose. Thomas Dufty is noted to be living in the Rockville District of Montgomery County in the 1840 Federal census with 12 other people (United States Federal Population Census [U.S. Census] 1840). As part of an order from a Chancery Court case that involved Mr. Duffy where his property was used as collateral for a debt of money, the land was advertised for sale in The Baltimore Sun in 1852 where a portion of the funds would go to the court (The Baltimore Sun 1852; MCDB JGH 3:83-85). The advertisement read:
"Valuable Real Estate at Private Sale. That valuable farm, occupied by Thomas Duffy, lying on the Rockville and Georgetown n NR-ELIGIBILITY REVIEW FORM
M: 30-14 Linden Oak
® turnpike (7 miles from the latter) containing about 300 acres, 40 or 50 of which are fine alluvial soil, 40 in wood, about 40 I n cover, and 80 in wheat, with plentiful supply of water, will be sold at private sale. It will be divided into lots if required. The whole is under good fencing making 6 fields exclusive of the wood, meadow, orchard and garden. The improvements are a good frame dwelling,18 by 20 feet, two stories high, and cellar, and a back building 20 by 12 feet, with a Com house, Stable, and Barn, all in good repair. There is a large and thrifty Orchard of 600 select Peach Trees just coming into full bearing" (The Baltimore Sun 1852).
However, Mr. Duffy was able to retain his property after some time because in 1860, he is noted to live with his family in the same area as his neighbors are relatively equivalent to those listed in 1840 Ou.S. Census 1860). In the 1860 census, Mr. Duffy owns $9,000 of real property and $1,350 of personal property and continues to work as a farmer (U.S. Census 1860). In an 1865 map, a Thomas "Duffle" is noted on the east side of the Georgetown and Rockville Turnpike (NI) 355) and west of Rock Creek (Martenet and Bond 1865).
During this period, Rockville was incorporated and rail service connecting Rockville and the District of Columbia was completed. As a result of this, Rockville saw large-scale growth, as it becaine a commuter town and a summer resort for those looking to escape the city (Peerless Rockville n.d). After Thomas Duffy's death, a case in Montgomery County's Court of Equity decreed that his heirs sell the approximately 300-acre tract in 1882 to William H. Manakee, a neighbor of the Duffy's noted in the 1865 Martenet and Bond map (Martenet and Bond 1865; MCDB EBP 26:80-82). That same year, William H. Manakee sold approximately 77.5 acres and 8 square perches of the tract back to the Duffy children, including Thomas, Michael and Peter among the others, that included the house and the "bounded white oak" for $4,265.25 (MCDB EBP 26:89-90). In an 1890 map, an approximately 76-acre tract denoted as "P. Duffy", straddles the current hD 355 with Rock Creek as its eastern boundary (Fava, Jr. 1890). Much of the 37-acre portion on the west side of the road is filled with trees, likely an orchard, and the eastern 39 acres where the Linden Oak is situated is open with a dwelling (Fava, Jr. 1890).
At the turn of the century, small subdivisions were sprouting along the branch of the Baltimore and Ohio @&0) Railroad situated east of Rock Creek. In 1908, the tract was conveyed to James H. Peter and then immediately transferred to Leigh Hunt (MCDB JLB 202:4-5, 202:6-8). Leigh Hunt conveyed the property just four years later to Julian Hite Miller (MCDB JLB 230:237-238). During Julian Miller's ownership, two buildings off a drive extending east towards Rock Creek from h® 355 are visible in the 1923 United States Geological Survey qusGS) topographic map (USGS 1923). Growth around Rockville and North Bethesda slowed down in the 1920s, but during that time, the town modemized with electricity, telephones, indoor plumbing, and the introduction of the trolley car, the Georgetown and Rockville Electric Railway, that extended along h® 355 in this area through to the center of Rockville @ryden 2009; USGS 1923). However, the outer limits of Rockville and northern Bethesda remained fairly agricultural in nature and sparsely populated with the exception of several suburban neighborhoods including Autrey Park, Halpine, and Spring Lake Park, G]ava, Jr.1890; USGS 1923).
Along the h® 355 route, particularly to the south of the downtown Rockville area, development occurred slowly during the 1930s and 1940s (USGS 1923, 1944). It is by this time that the buildings and drive that once occupied the property are no longer extant and the land is marked as a part of Rock Creek Park (USGS 1944). Although the concept of Rock Creek Park was originated in 1867 and revisited in 1890 in Washington, D.C., it was not until 1925 that Lieutenant Colonel Clarence 0. Sherrill, executive secretary of M-NCPPC, and Maryland Governor, Albert C. Ritchie, devised a plan to expand the park northward into Maryland's Montgomery and Prince George's Counties (Oshida 2012). In 1935, "Proposed Rock Creek Park" land was plotted and by 1941, land had been acquired and fully established under the park name (Klinge 1941).
During the 1950s and 60s, expanding government and commerce contributed to a surge of grov`th primarily in this southern section of Montgomery County, and although parkland was protected from development, areas adjacent to the park saw steady growth NR-ELIGIBILITY REVIEW FORM
M: 30-14 Linden Oak
accI Technologies, Inc. [KCI] 1999:C-17; Oshida 2012). Large residential subdivisions also began to fill in the former gap between Rockville and Bethesda and particularly near the Linden Oak with developments such as Parkwood, Kensington Estates, Wildwood Manor, and Lone Oak among many others (USGS 1971). As the move for more car-centric development continued in the southern area of Montgomery County, commercial growth in the form of singular retail shops, service stations, convenience stores, and the Congressional Shopping Plaza likewise occurred along the main thoroughfares such as h® 355, Hungerford Drive, and Jefferson Street (USGS 1965). The Linden Oak has marginally escaped felling on a number of occasions. One occasion was in the 1960s when the major thoroughfares of I-270 and I-495 to the west were constructed. The most publicized occurrence was in the late 1970s, the famed old tree was threatened by the possibility of felling to malke way for the proposed alignment of the Red Line of the WMATA metro rail system (Johnson 2016). However, "Montgomery County councilwoman, Idamae Garrott, successfully fought to get the proposed Metro tracks moved west" to avoid damage to this historic oak (Johnson 2016). In 1976, the Maryland Big Tree Prograni declared the tree a Maryland Bicentennial Tree (Kelly 2011 :246). It is unclear when or why this tree was named Linden Oak but some presume it was after the neighboring Linden Hill community (Kelly 2011 :246). Currently, this portion of MD 355 remains extremely busy transportation-wise as major road interchanges are nearby; however, the tree still thrives and is regularly checked on and maintained by members of the Maryland Big Tree Program and M-NCPPC.
Eligibility Assessment:
The Linden Oak is a circa-1718 white oak tree according to the Maryland Big Tree Progran (Maryland Big Tree Program 2018). Although some resources state that it is the only tree in Montgomery County to have been recorded as an individual historic site, there have been several others recorded as well as many recorded in the state (Kelly 2011 :246). Located west of a major curve in Rock Creek in the valley, the tree has stood the test of population growth and transportation development over the course of three centuries. Although the resource has been slightly damaged and has experienced some natural effects from age and environment, it is still in general good condition thanks to its metal supports and protection of park land. It does not appear to have ever been moved from its original location; however, its immediate surroundings have been altered drastically, particularly in the last half of the twentieth century by transportation development. Therefore, the tree retains a moderate to high level of integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship and a low to moderate level of integrity of setting, association, and feeling.
According to the National Park Service, in order for a resource to be considered under Criterion A, it must "be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history" (Shrimpton et al.1990: 12). As the resource is the only remaining element of what was once an over several-hundred-acre agricultural tract from the early days of plantation farming, it is not a particularly defining element of that property or period. Although the tree sits within Rock Creek Regional Park: it did not have significant influence on the movement to establish the park. As such, the resource is recommended as not eligible under Criterion A.
Under Criterion 8, properties must be "associated with individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented" and "important within a local, State, or national historic context" (Shrimpton et al. 1990: 14). Research did not indicate that any of the owners of the property on which the tree was planted have been particularly influential on a local, state, or national level and although Montgomery County councilwoman, Idanae Garrott, played a part in saving the tree from premature felling, her association does not warrant NRIT eligibility under Criterion 8. As such, the resource is recoinmended as not eligible for the NRIIP under Criterion 8.
For eligibility consideration under Criterion C, a property must ``embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction" Shrimpton et al. 1990: 17). The Linden Oak is denoted as the largest, and NR-ELIGIBILITY REVIEW FORM
M: 30-14 Linden Oak
potentially oldest, white oak in the county after the premature felling of the Wye Oak at the age of 462 by a thunderstorm, and the fourth largest in the state of Maryland (Johnson 2016). Yet, the tree's historic integrity has been affected by the significant development immediately surrounding it. Other examples of historic trees being listed as individual historic sites in Maryland includes the President's Oak (hAIHP #: M: 37-2), a large white beech tree with the carved names of our nation's first four presidents; Richard's Oak (MIIIP #: CE-225), an approximately 500-year-old tree in Cecil County known for its association with General Lafayette and his army; and John C. Travers' White Oak Tree (NIHT #: D-216) located in Dorchester County which was designated as a bicentermial tree for being over 200 years old in 1975 @oume 1975; Maryland Historical Trust 1979; Rothrock 1979). However, none of these examples have been listed on or determined eligible for the NRIIP. Furthemore, similar historic resources listed in the NRIIP have either been traditionally a part of a larger historic landscape (i.g. Hecker Highway/ Highway 152 Tree Row) or include architectural components that call to an alternative use (i.g. Cooper Ridge Lookout Tree) (NRIIP 2018). The Linden Oak does not appear to retain the historic integrity or qualifications to warrant NRIIP-eligibility under Criterion C. As an architectural resource, the resource was not evaluated under Criterion D.
In sum, Linden Oak is recommended not eligible for individual listing in the NRIIP under Criteria A, 8, and C.
References:
Baltimore Sun, The [Baltimore, Maryland] 1852 Valuable Real Estate at private sale. February 24. Electronic document, www.newspapers.com, accessed July 2018.
Boume, Michael 1975 Maryland Inventory of Historic places Inventory Form: John c. Travers' White oak/ Neild Tree (D-216), Taylor's Island, Maryland. Electronic document, https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/, accessed July 2018.
City of Rockville 2018 "Rockville's History." Electronic document, http://www.rockvillemd.gov/index.aspx?NID=978, accessed June 2018.
Dryden, Steve 2009 "The History of Rockville." Bethesda Magazine. Electronic document, http ://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda- Magazine/November-December-2009/The-Beginning-of-Rockville/, accessed March 2018.
Esri 2013 United states Geological survey. Electronic document, http://services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services, accessed May 2018.
Fava, Jr„ Francis R. 1890 Real estate map of the Metropolitan Branch of the Baltimore and ohio Railroad company between washington, D.C., and Rockville, Md., and adjacent land holdings : from latest official authorities & actual surveys. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division Washington, D.C. Electronic document, https://lccn.Ioc.gov/91680470, accessed June 2018.
Johnson, Matt 2016 "To save Maryland's second oldest tree, the Red Line Moved." Greater, Greater washington, Washington, D.C. Electronic document, https://ggwash.org/view/41163/to-save-marylands-second-oldest-tree-the-red-line-moved, accessed July 20 1 8 .
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M: 30-14 Linden Oak
KCI Technologies, Inc. (KCI) 1999 Suburbanization Historic context and survey Methodology, I-495n-95 Capital Beltway corridor Transportation study, Montgomery and Prince George' s Counties, Maryland. KCI Technologies, Inc., Hunt Valley, Maryland. Electronic document, http://www.marylandroads.com/Index.aspx?Pageld=214,accessedMarch2018.
Kelly, Clare Lisa 2011 Places from the past: The Tradition of Gardez Bien in Montgomery county, Maryland.loth Anniversary Edition. Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
Klinge, Frank H.M. 1941 Property Atlas of Montgomery county. Revised 1953. Klinge publishing company, Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Copy on file at Montgomery County IIistorical Society.
Lodge, Stephen 1978 Maryland Inventory of Historic places Inventory Form: Linden oak (M: 30-14), Bethesda, Maryland. Electronic document, https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/, accessed July 2018.
Martenet and Bond 1865 Map of Montgomery county, Maryland. On file at the Montgomery county Historical society. Electronic document, haps://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/wewereherefirstlgingle_family.html,accessedJuly2018.
Mary Means & Associates, Inc. 2002 Montgomery county Heritage Area Management plan. Prepared for the Montgomery county Heritage Advisory council.
Maryland Big Tree Program 2018 Tree Listings: Quercus, alba white oak. Electronic document, http://mdbigtrees.com/tree_detail.aspx?tree=TR20130306132408130,accessedJuly2018.
Maryland Historical Trust 1979 Maryland Inventory of Historic places Inventory Form: Richard's oak (CE-225), Cecil, Maryland. Electronic document, https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/,accessedJuly2018.
Montgomery County Deed Book (MCDB) n.d. Montgomery county Land Records, misc. years. Archives of Maryland online. Electronic database, http://www.mdlandrec.net/msa/stagser/sl700/sl741/cfin/index.cfin?CFID=40897808&CFTOKEN=97559441,accessedMay 2018.
Montgomery County Plat Book (MCPB) n.d.Montgomery County Land Survey, Subdivision, and Condominium Plats, misc. years. Archives of Maryland Online. Electronic database,http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/stagser/s1500/s1529thtmv0000.html,accessedMay2018.
National Register of Historic Places [NRIIP] 2018 Digital Archive on NPGallery. Electronic document, https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRIIP/SearchResults/, accessed July 2018. a NR-ELIGHBILITY REVIEW FORM
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Oshida, Caitlin 2012 Maryland Inventory of Historic places Inventory Fom: Rock creek park Montgomery county survey Area Q4: 36-87), Chevy Chase, Maryland. Electronic document, https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/, accessed July 2018.
Peerless Rockville n.d. "Brief History of Rockville." Electronic document, http ://www.peerlessrockville.org/historic-rockvilleforief-history-of- rockville/, accessed March 2018.
Rothrock, Gail 1979 Maryland Inventory of Historic places Inventory Form: President's Tree ovl: 37-2), Chevy chase, Maryland. Electronic document, https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/, accessed July 2018.
Shrimpton, Rebecca H. (editor), Patrick W. Andrus, and National Register of Historic Places staff 1990 How to Apply the National Register criteria for Evaluation, Preservation Brief No.15.Revised 1997. Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.Electronic document, http://www.nps.gov/nr/publicationsfoulletins/urbl5/index.htm,accessedMay2018.
State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) 2018 Assorted Montgomery county Tax Records. Electronic document, https://www.historicaerials.com/viewer, accessed May 2018.
United States Federal Population Census (U.S. Census) 1840 Sixth census of the united states of America. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Electronic document, http://www.ancestry.com, accessed July 2018.
1860 Eighth census of the united states of America. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Electronic document, http://www.ancestry.com, accessed July 2018.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1923 Rockville, Maryland. 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle. Montgomery county, Maryland. Electronic document, http :/thistoricalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/index.html, accessed June 2018.
1944 Rockville, Maryland. 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle. Montgomery county, Maryland. Electronic document, hay :/thistoricalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/index.html, accessed June 2018.
1965 Kensington, Maryland. 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle. Montgomery county, Maryland. Electronic document, http :/thistoricalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/index.html, accessed June 2018.
1971 Kensington, Maryland. 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle. Montgomery county, Maryland. Electronic document, http://historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/index.html, accessed June 2018. Linden Oak (M: 30-14) Beach Drive and Rockville Pike Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland
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Location of Linden Oak on 7.5-Minute Keusington USGS Topographic Map ® (Esri 2013) Linden Oak (M: 30-14) Beach Drive and Rockville Pike 0 Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland
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Location of Linden Oak on 7.5-Minute Keusington USGS Topographic Map ® (Esri 2013) Linden Oak (M: 30-14) Beach Drive and Rockville Pike a Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland
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Location of Linden Oak on the Montgomery County Tax Map (Montgomery County Map 2018) ® ) M: 30-14, Linden Oak Beach Drive and Rockville Pike Bethesda, Montgomery County, Marylan TIFF Image FileName Description Date Taken Ink Paper Brand, Make & DyeTypeofCD
M: 30-14 2018-06- Overview, Looking North 06/12/2018 Photographic Fuj icolor Crystal Archive Verbatim Ultralife 120 12 01.tif from Grosvenor Lane Exposure Paper, Lustre min./4.7 GB 8x ArchivalGradeDVD-R
M: 30-14 2018-06- Looking North from North 06/12/2018 Photographic Fuj icolor Crystal Archive Verbatim Ultralife 120 12 02.tif Side of Grosvenor Lane Exposure Paper, Lustre min./4.7 GB 8x ArchivalGradeDVD-R
M: 30-14 2018-06- Detail of Signage, Looking 06/12/2018 Photographic Fuj icolor Crystal Archive Verbatim Ultralife 120 12 03.tif Northeast Exposure Paper, Lustre min./4.7 GB 8x ArchivalGradeDVD-R
M: 30-14 2018-06- Looking Northwest from 06/12/2018 Photographic Fuj icolor Crystal Archive Verbatim Ultralife 120 12 04.tif North Side of Grosvenor Exposure Paper, Lustre min./4.7 GB 8x ArchivalGradeDVD-R Lane
M: 30-14
.• Name . Linden Oak 2. Planning Area/Site Number 30/14 3. MNCPPC Atlas Reference Map 21; B-4 --- 4. Address Rock Creek Park 5. Classification Summary Category object Ownership__ ~p~1~1h~1~i~c~-~------~----~ Public Acquisition.,._-,,....~~----~----~ Status not applicable Accessible yes, unrestricted Present use_...p_a_r_k~------~._..,=-=....,...-=-,..,:!~= Previous Survey Recording 1976 M-NCPP~ederal___ State]L_County1£.__Local __ _
6. Date c. 1718 7. Original Owner unknown 8. Apparent Condition excellent c. ______original site _ a.~------~- unaltered b·~------;;. Description The Linden Oak is located in Rock Creek Park, near the intersection of Beach Drive and Rockville Pike. It is a white oak (Quercus Alba), sixteen feet in circumference, ninety-five feet high and more than 132 feet wide across the crown.
·~o. Significance The Linden Oak is estimated at over 260 years old. It is the largest white oak in Montgomery County and tho .fourth largest in the state.
In 1976 the Linden Oak was proclaimed a Maryland Bicente~nial Tree. A commemorative plaque has been placed on the site.
ll. Date researched 1978 .Researcher: Stephen Lodge 12. ConpilerPeg Coleman 18. Date Compiledll/27/78 14. Designatiop,. :. ..l\.,...,oroval 1',.,,' ~4 . -- • 15. Acreage: 13.7 acres lfl: _ 30)11 '\ .. ·· MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST MAGI#
INVENTORY FORM FOR STATE HISTORIC SITES SURVEY
6NAME HISTORIC Linden Oak
AND/OR COMMON
flLOCATION
STREET & NUMBER Bea.ch Dr:tve and Rockville Pike 8'th CITY, TOWN Haok:ville Bethesda CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT VICINITY OF Montgomery STATE COUNTY Maryla.nd DcLAsSIFICATION
CATEGORY OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE _DISTRICT X.PUBLIC _OCCUPIED _AGRICULTURE _MUSEUM _BUILDING(S) _PRIVATE _UNOCCUPIED _COMMERCIAL ~PARK _STRUCTURE _BOTH _WORK IN PROGRESS _EDUCATIONAL _PRIVATE RESIDENCE ~· _SITE PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE _ENTERTAINMENT _RELIGIOUS ~OBJECT _IN PROCESS _YES: RESTRICTED __ GOVERNMENT _SCIENTIFIC _BEING CONSIDERED ~YES: UNRESTRICTED _INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION _NO _MILITARY _OTHER: DOWNER OF PROPERTY
NAME r.Jia.ryland-National Capital Park & Planning Telephone #: 565~7401 sTREET & NUMBER Commission 8'7'8'7' Georgia Ave .• CITY, TOWN STATE , zip code Silver Spring _ v1c1N1TY oF Md •. llLOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION Liber #: 735 COURTHOUSE, Folio #: 335 REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC. Montgomery 0.0W:lty (!ourtb.OUSe STREET & NUMBER
CITY, TOWN STATE R ocrkvill e Md. II REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE M-NCPPC Inventory of Historical Sites ) I DATE 1976 _FEDERAL .XSTATE XcouNTY _LOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR suRvEYREcoRDs Park Historian's Office CITY.TOWN STATE Rockville Maryland 20855 B DESCRIPTION
CONDITION CHECK ONE CHECK ONE
_EXCELLENT _DETERIORATED _UNALTERED X.ORIGrNAL SITE _GOOD _RUINS --ALTERED -MOVED OAT"--- _FAIR _UNEXPOSED
DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
The trunk of the Linden Oak is shorter than many other types of trees, but is a large 16t in circumference. Like other white oaks, the crown of the tree is larger than its hei~t . But this tree's dimensions are obviously larger than most, with a height of over 95', and a width of more than 1321 • A batch of shrubbery grows in the "crotch.11 where the branches spread apart, some 20' above the ground. The bark of the tree is whiteish and scaley, having survived storms and sun perhaps from as far back as the 17th C"entury. The leaves are feather-lobed, a characteristic of only some oaks, and its acorns, shaped thinner than other oaks', help teed her bivorous birds and mammals in Rock Creak Park. The diameter of 11 the tree at the trunk :is a thick 64 • II SIGNIFICANCE
PERIOD AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW
_PREHISTORIC -ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC _COMMUNITY PLANNING _LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _RELIGION _1400-1499 -ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC .XCONSERVATION _LAW _SCIENCE _1500-1599 -AGRICULTURI; _ECONOMICS _LITERATURE _SCULPTURE. _1600-1699 -ARCHITECTURE _EQUCATION _MILITARY _SOCIAUHUMANITARIAN ..;r1700-1799 -ART _ENGINEERING _MUSIC _THEATER _ 1800-1899 _COMMERCE -EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT _PHILOSOPHY _TRANSPORTATION _ 1900- _COMMUNICATIONS _INDUSTRY _POLITICS/GOVERNMENT _OTHER (SPECIFY) _INVENTION
SPECIFIC DATES BUILDER/ ARCHITECT
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This local la.ndmark, estimated to be Qver 260 years old, sits on the edge of Roe~ Creek Park. It.is· th~ J:argest white oak b:ee :in Montgomery Cbuiity, and the fourth largest in Mary Iianq, (the Wye Oak being the largest in the -nation as we:lI as in the state). The white oak Wl!Ut· made the Maryland State Tree in 1941, and the Linden Oak stands as a fine example of that grand trea. Its wonderful features make it a beautiful sight. The source of the Linden Oak's name is not known, hut it probably came from the nearby Linden Hill community.. The tree itself though, :ts not loeated in Linden Hill.
Metro subway construction through the area threat- ened the life of' the tree :in the early 1970s, but a promise to preserve the oak was obtained from Metro (perhaps they appreci ated the ancient custom in Anglo-Saxon England of fining anyone who purposely injured or destroyed an· oak tree). A- plaque was placed at the site and passersby on foot , bike or ear may ob- serve the tree at the Grosvenor Lane-Beach Drive-Rockville Pi~e inter secti:on ,, amid other less majestic trees in Rock Creek Park.
In 197'6, it was proe-la:tmed a Maryland Bicentennial Tree,. be~ause it 11 sto0d its ground, surtived. the American R""evolution, and continues to serve. an app:recia.ti ve nation •. tt
CONTINUE ON SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY IJMf\JOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
l) Dwyer t Michael F., Historical Inventory Form 2) Petrides., George A.. A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs 3) Shosteck,. Robert. Washington~' July 1,. 1973.. "The Trees of Life!! 4) symonds, George W.D"" The Tree Identification Book
CONTINUE ON SEJ?AMTE SHEET If NECESSARY IIiJGEOGRAPHICALDATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY 13. 7A Tract
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION On. e.dge of Rock LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE COUNTY STATE COUNTY IDFORM PREPARED BY NAME/TITLE Stephen Lodge ORGANIZATION DATE Sugarloa! Region.al Trails July,, 1978 STREET & NUMBER, TELEPHONE ~ 926-4510' CITY OR TOWN STATE D:t:ckerson Maryland The Maryland Historic Sites Inventory was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature, to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA, 1974 Supplement. The Survey and Inventory are being prepared for information and record purposes only and do not constitute any infringe ment of individual property rights. RETURN TO: Maryland Historical Trust The Shaw House, 21 State Circle Annapolis, Maryland 21401 ( 301) 267-1438 PS· 1108 tJt #30-14 MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST I 6d80rt;l:3:fY INVENTORY FORM FOR STATE HISTORIC' SITES SURVEY DNAME HISTORIC AND/OR COMMON Linden Oak· ~ 0LOCATION STREET & NUMBER Beach Drive & Rock.ville Pike CITY. IOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Rockville-Bethesda - VICINITY OF STATE COUNTY Maryland Montgomery· DcLAsSIFICATION CATEGORY ~WNERSHtP· STATUS PRESENT USE _DISTRICT PUBLIC _OCCUPIED _AGRICULTURE -~USEUM _BUILDING($) _PRIVATE. _UNOCCUPIED _COMMERCIAL xPARK _STRUCTURE _BOTH _WORK IN PROGRESS _EDUCATIONAL _PRIVATE RESIDENCE PUBLIC ACQUISITION _ENTERTAINMENT ,_ ta!TE ACCESSIBLE _RELIGIOUS OBJECT _IN PROCESS JYES: RESTRICTE::.'l ~· _GOVERNMENT _SCIENTIFIC { _BEING CONSIDERED _YES: UNRESTRICTED _INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION _NO _MILITARY _OTHER: DOWNER OF PROPERTY NAME Maryland-National Capital Park & PlanningTelephone·#: 589-1480 STREET & NUMBER 8787 Georgia Ave. CITY.TOWN STATE , Zl.p code Silver Spring _ v1c1N1rvoF Maryland liLOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION Liber #: COURTHOUSE. Folio #: REGISTRY OF DEEDS,ETC. Montgomery County Courthouse STREET & NUMBER CITY. TOWN STATE Rockville Maryland liJREPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE DATE _FEDERAL --5TATE _COUNTY _LOCAL r--· ----~------~------~DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY.TOWN STATE II DESCRIPTION CONDITION CHECK ONE 9+1ECKONE _EXCELLENT _DETERIORATED _UNALTERED LoR1G1NAL SITE _GOOD _RUINS --ALTERED .:_MOVED DATE.--~ _FAIR _UNEXPOSED , DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE This is a towering, white oak tree (the official state tree) that stands on the edge of Rock Creek Park here. It is 94 ft. high, with a diameter of 64 inches. The total. span at the crown is 132 ft. across. Estimated to be 260 years old. : CONTINUE ON SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY SIGNIFICANCE B r--t·.3o-l~ r2f.RIOD AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE-· CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW \ .!HISTORIC -ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC _COMMUNITY PLANNING -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _RELIGION \ .. _,400.1499 -ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC _CONSERVATION _LAW _SCIENCE 1 -1500-1599 -AGRICULTUR!; _ECONOMICS . _LITERATURE _SCULPTURE -,)'600-1699 -ARCHITECTURE _EDUCATION _MILITARY _SOCIAUHUMANITARIAN Y..1100-1 799 -ART _ENGINEERING _MUSIC _THEATER _1800-1899 -COMMERCE -EXPLORATION/SETILEMENT _PHILOSOPHY _TRANSPORTATION _1900. _COMMUNICATIONS _INDUSTRY _POLITICS/GOVERNMENT -OTHER (SPECIFY! _INVENTION · SPECIFIC DATES BUILDER/ARCHITECT STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE "This is a local landmark that sits on the edge of Rock Creek Park. It is estimated to be 260 yrs. old. Supposedly, the second or third largest white oak tree in Maryland {the first, the Wye Oak, is the largest and finest in the entire United States.) The name "Linden" is an ironic misnomer, that probably results from the nearby Linden Hill/Pooks Hill devel opment. (Pooks Hill was an estat~ formerly located on the hill near here, and that name comes from a Rudyard Kipling poem. ) The Metro subway development threatened to destroy this \ tree in the 1970's, but a pledge to preserve it has been pro mised. CONTINUE ON SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY l IJMAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES 1) A TREE IS SAVED, (1971) M-NCPPC Parks Dep't. leaflet. 2) -Shostech,---- Robert. Article in WASHINGTON STAR, (7/1/73). 3) Metro Subway Article, WASHINGTON STAR, (11/12/73). CONT!NUE ON SE~ARA,TE SHEET IF NECESSARY l.mGEOGRAPHICALDATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY ______ VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION , LIST ALL STATES ANO COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE.OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE COUNTY STATE COUNTY EDFORM PREPARED BY NAME/ TITLE Michael F. Dwyer, Senior Park Historian ORGANIZATION DATE M-NCPPC 9/11/74 STREET & NUMBER TELEPHONE 8787 Georgia Ave. 589-1480 CITY OR TOWN STATE Silver Spring Maryland The Maryland Historic Sites Inventory was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature, to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA, 1974 Supplement. The Survey and Inve~tory are being prepared for information and record purposes only and do not constitute any infringe~ ment of individual property rights. RETURN TO: Maryland Historical Trust The Shaw House, 21 State Circle Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (301) 267-1438