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Reply To: | A LISTSERV list for discussions pertaining to New York State history." < [log in to unmask]> |
Date: | Thu, 7 Sep 2006 16:23:06 -0400 |
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There is a very large elm tree at the North West corner of Washington
Square Park that is known as "the hanging tree". I am doubtful whether
this legend can be true, since I doubt that NY City, whether in the
colonial period or after, would have held an execution in such an
informal manner.
I have looked at Hearn's biographical guide to the hanged (&c) of New
York state without seeing a likely candidate.
Does anyone know the basis for this story?
Does anyone have an opinion as to how old an elm would have to be to
support a hanging, or how old this particular tree might be?
Thanks.
GAT
George A. Thompson
Author of A Documentary History of "The African Theatre", Northwestern
Univ. Pr., 1998, but nothing much lately.
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