Willow oak at Perry Courthouse dedicated for America’s 250th. Here’s the backstory.

PERRY — Hundreds of Liberty Trees have been dedicated all over the country in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Here in Houston County, local groups hope a tree at the courthouse will be a token of history for the public to reflect on.

Local Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution chapters dedicated a Liberty Tree in Perry on Tuesday, June 2. John Trussell, the Georgia SAR Publicity Chairman, hopes the tree will stay standing and serve as a reminder of the American Revolution.

“It’s a very visual and passionate example of what America stands for and how we got to where we are today,” Trussell said in an interview.  

Located between the Houston County Courthouse and the Detention Center, the newly-dedicated Liberty Tree is a willow oak, which closely resembles the live oak, Georgia’s state tree. It was planted when the courthouse was built in 2002. 

Trussell said willow oak trees are tied to the Revolutionary War, as their wood was used to construct the famous warship U.S.S. Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides.” 

The first-ever Liberty Tree was an elm located in the Boston Commons that served as a gathering place for the first Sons of Liberty to meet and discuss how to defy British rule. The Stamp Act of 1765 further fueled the fire of the citizens of Boston. The act imposed a direct tax on the British colonies and required print materials to be produced on stamped paper paid for in British currency. 

Protests occurred at the Liberty Tree, and in retaliation, the British cut it down. 

In 1768, British troops occupied Boston, further clashing with the citizens. Events such as the Boston Massacre in March 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773 spiraled into the beginning of the Revolutionary War. 

Although the City of Perry was founded after the Revolutionary War, it boasts connections to the battle. Founded in 1824, the city was named after naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero in the War of 1812. His father, Christopher Raymond Perry, served as a privateer in the American Revolution under the militia group “Kingston Reds.”  

202 years later, local leaders reflected on the Perry Liberty Tree’s connection and impact at the dedication event. 

Perry Mayor Randall Walker said freedom does not come free and encouraged the public to consider military sacrifice, past and present. 

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said Liberty Trees reminded her of remarks from 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like Roosevelt, Patrick believes differences strengthen the country and are a catalyst for unity. 

Houston County Chairman Dan Perdue said even though the willow oak already stands, the dedication is seen as a “living marker” rather than just a plaque or statue. 

“Just like liberty itself, it’s not finished. It will continue to grow,” he said. “I hope that you will reflect on what liberty means to you and your life.”