The Charter Oak was an exceptionally large white oak tree growing on Wyllys Hill in Hartford, Connecticut, from around the 12th or 13th century until it fell during a storm in 1856. Connecticut colonists hid Connecticut's Royal Charter of 1662 within the tree's hollow to thwart its confiscation by the English governor-general. The oak was viewed as a symbol of American independence and was commemorated on the Connecticut State Quarter. It was also depicted on a commemorative half dollar and a postage stamp for Connecticut's tercentennial in 1935.
Royal charter granted to Connecticut
The Charter Oak was an exceptionally large white oak tree growing on Wyllys Hill in Hartford, Connecticut, from around the 12th or 13th century until it fell during a storm in 1856.
Historical Significance
The Charter Oak was an exceptionally large white oak tree growing on Wyllys Hill in Hartford, Connecticut, from around the 12th or 13th century until it fell during a storm in 1856.
Events Before
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England is ritually executed after having been dead for two years
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England is ritually executed after having been dead for two years
Princess Henrietta of Orange-Nassau (16) weds Philippe of France, Duke of Orléans (20)
Princess Henrietta of Orange-Nassau (16) weds Philippe of France, Duke of Orléans (20)
Treaty of The Hague is signed, whereby the Dutch Republic sells New Holland (Brazil) to Portugal for 63 tons of gold
Treaty of The Hague is signed, whereby the Dutch Republic sells New Holland (Brazil) to Portugal for 63 tons of gold
The Fifth Monarchists unsuccessfully attempt to seize control of London
The Fifth Monarchists unsuccessfully attempt to seize control of London
In his will French Cardinal Mazarin bequeaths his famous library to the Collège des Quatre-Nations, part of the Universi
In his will French Cardinal Mazarin bequeaths his famous library to the Collège des Quatre-Nations, part of the University of Paris (opens 1689) - now the oldest public library in France [1]
Events After
Charlevoix Earthquake in Quebec, felt strongly in New England
The 1663 Charlevoix earthquake occurred on February 5 in New France (now the Canadian province of Quebec), and was assessed to have a moment magnitude of between 7.3 and 7.9.
The Quebec Seminary established by François de Montmorency-Laval, First Bishop of New France. North America's first inst
The Quebec Seminary established by François de Montmorency-Laval, First Bishop of New France. North America's first institution of higher learning. [1]
Gemert in the Netherlands fines unwed mothers a penalty of 50 guilders
Gemert in the Netherlands fines unwed mothers a penalty of 50 guilders
Osman declares war on Austria
Osman declares war on Austria
Theatre Royal opens in Drury Lane, London
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, commonly known as Drury Lane, is a West End theatre and Grade I listed building in Covent Garden, London, England.
More from the 1660s
English Colonel George Monck, with two brigades of troops, crosses the Anglo-Scottish border by fording the River Tweed
English Colonel George Monck, with two brigades of troops, crosses the Anglo-Scottish border by fording the River Tweed at Coldstream and heads through knee-deep snow to London to end military rule and restore the monarchy
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England is ritually executed after having been dead for two years
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England is ritually executed after having been dead for two years
English Poet and author of "Paradise Lost" John Milton marries 3rd wife Elizabeth Mynshull, 31 years his junior.
English Poet and author of "Paradise Lost" John Milton marries 3rd wife Elizabeth Mynshull, 31 years his junior.
English Long Parliament disbands
The Convention Parliament of England (25 April 1660 – 29 December 1660) followed the Long Parliament that had finally voted for its own dissolution on 16 March that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 3, 1662?
- The Charter Oak was an exceptionally large white oak tree growing on Wyllys Hill in Hartford, Connecticut, from around the 12th or 13th century until it fell during a storm in 1856. Connecticut colonists hid Connecticut's Royal Charter of 1662 within the tree's hollow to thwart its confiscation by the English governor-general. The oak was viewed as a symbol of American independence and was commemorated on the Connecticut State Quarter.
- Why is Royal charter granted to Connecticut significant?
- The Charter Oak was an exceptionally large white oak tree growing on Wyllys Hill in Hartford, Connecticut, from around the 12th or 13th century until it fell during a storm in 1856.