A mature Liberty Tree with spreading branches, colorful flowers and a commemorative sign

The Liberty Tree Dedication

Planting for the Next 250 Years

Adjacent to the Historic Arch

The Liberty Tree dedication will take place adjacent to the historic arch at Tucker Ranch in Winter Garden.

Directions to Tucker Ranch

Aerial view of Tucker Ranch, with gardens, paths, buildings and parking

Adjacent to the historic arch · Tucker Ranch

Winter Garden, Florida · December 11, 2026 · 9:00 AM

Privately funded. The Liberty Tree, dedication ceremony and all associated expenses are fully funded by private donations. No tax dollars are used.

Free RSVP

RSVP Your Spot

Admission is completely free. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Register to help us plan for attendance and receive updates, including the exact gathering location at Tucker Ranch.

The Liberty Tree

From a Boston Elm to a Florida Live Oak

In 1765, colonists opposed to the Stamp Act gathered beneath a great elm near Boston Common. The Sons of Liberty met there, hung protest effigies in its branches, and posted notices on its trunk. The elm became known as the Liberty Tree, a rallying place for those who believed in self-government.

The tree became such a powerful symbol that British soldiers and Loyalists cut it down in 1775. Its memory lived on, and Liberty Trees were dedicated in towns across the young nation.

Our Modern Liberty Tree

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

The original Liberty Tree was an elm. Ours will be a Southern Live Oak, a majestic tree native to Florida, known for its strength, its wide spreading branches, and its potential to live for centuries.

Planted as a lasting tribute to America's 250th anniversary, this tree carries a hope for the future: that in 2076, on America's 300th birthday, future generations will gather at this site to rededicate this Liberty Tree and renew its legacy of liberty.

Illustrated rendering of a mature Liberty Tree with a commemorative sign, colorful flowers and surrounding paths — Illustrated rendering of a mature Southern Live Oak. A much younger tree of the same species will be planted, with the potential to grow into a magnificent oak like this over generations.

Roots of Liberty

A living legacy across generations

1646
Roots in Boston
Boston’s great elm is traditionally said to have been planted in 1646, near today’s Washington and Essex Streets. A sign displayed in 1766 reportedly gave this planting date.
Source: American Battlefield Trust
1765
A symbol of resistance
Sons of Liberty gather beneath the elm to protest the Stamp Act. It becomes known as the Liberty Tree.
Source: Massachusetts Historical Society
1775
The symbol survives
British soldiers cut down Boston’s Liberty Tree during the Siege of Boston, but its meaning lives on.
Source: Massachusetts Historical Society
1775
Maryland’s Liberty Tree
In September, Annapolis patriots designate an existing tulip poplar near today’s St. John’s College as their Liberty Tree, a gathering place and enduring symbol of resistance.
Source: Preservation Maryland
1776
A nation is born
On July 4, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the colonies’ independence from Great Britain.
Source: National Archives
2026
A new tree for America 250
On December 11, West Orange County will celebrate America’s 250th birthday by planting a Southern Live Oak at Tucker Ranch as a living tribute to liberty.
Organizer-provided event details
2076
America’s 300th birthday
Fifty years after planting, our hope is that future generations gather at this site to rededicate this Liberty Tree, renewing its promise of liberty for generations to come.
Our hope for the next generation

Planting for the Next 250 Years

The Ceremony

What to Expect

A brief patriotic ceremony, the dedication and planting of our Liberty Tree, and community photographs to mark the occasion.

Our Sponsors

Rooted in Community

Sponsor

We are grateful to Duke Energy for sponsoring the America 250 Liberty Tree Dedication, helping West Orange County close its year of celebration with a lasting gift for future generations.

Partnering Sponsors

Bloom & Grow Garden Society

Celebrating its centennial through “100 Trees for 100 Years,” Bloom & Grow is providing the Southern Live Oak, planting supplies, tools, and expertise, and will lead the planting.

Daughters of the American Revolution

Dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism, the chapter will share the history of the Liberty Tree and take part in the dedication and planting.

Stars and Stripes Marketing Services

Stars and Stripes Marketing Services has helped lead West Orange County’s America 250 celebrations, working alongside community organizations throughout the year and presenting this culminating Liberty Tree Dedication.

Municipal Partner

City of Winter Garden

With appreciation to the City of Winter Garden for welcoming the dedication to Tucker Ranch and supporting event coordination.

Benefiting One Winter Garden

A community nonprofit dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and improving opportunities for residents, particularly in East Winter Garden. One Winter Garden is a charitable beneficiary of this year of celebration.

Attend

You Are Invited

Date

Friday, December 11, 2026

Time

9:00 to 10:00 AM

Location

Adjacent to the historic arch at Tucker Ranch, Winter Garden, Florida.

Admission

Free and open to the public. RSVP encouraged but not required.

Families, veterans, and neighbors of all ages are welcome.

A Year of Celebration Across West Orange County

$20,000Our Community Giving Goal

Honoring America’s 250th while supporting veterans, youth, and local community organizations.

America's 250th anniversary has been celebrated throughout West Orange County through a series of patriotic community events, including celebrations in Winter Garden, Windermere, and Horizon West. These gatherings have brought our community together to honor our nation's founding while raising funds for veterans, youth, and local community organizations.

The Liberty Tree Dedication is the culminating event of the series. It will leave behind something lasting: a living Liberty Tree that future generations can visit, appreciate, and remember. Our goal is to close this historic year having raised $20,000 for charitable purposes.

Veterans, families and Scouts saluting the flag at the Horizon West America 250 celebration

Families gathered beneath the American flag for an outdoor America 250 celebration

Uniformed cadets and community members presenting an America 250 charitable donation

Two smiling women in patriotic outfits beside a George Washington cutout

A young speaker at a microphone during the outdoor flag celebration

Children and community members planting a tree together during an America 250 event

Revolutionary War reenactors gathered outside a historic brick building

Young people and families walking together while waving American flags

Community members presenting a charitable donation to the American Legion

Singers and musicians performing onstage at Patriotism on Plant

With Special Honor

Patriotism on Plant: A Musical Journey Celebrating America's 250th

July 25 and 26, 2026 · Garden Theatre on Plant

We especially honor the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which led this stirring theatre celebration at the historic Garden Theatre. Featuring Opera Orlando, the performances traced the American story through song and film and paid moving tribute to our veterans and active military members.

Event speakers at a podium beneath a projected America 250 flag

Patriotic performers bringing American history to life on the theatre stage

A full theatre audience celebrating America's 250th anniversary

The Liberty Tree Dedication

Adjacent to the Historic Arch

RSVP Your Spot

From a Boston Elm to a Florida Live Oak

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

A living legacy across generations

Roots in Boston

A symbol of resistance

The symbol survives

Maryland’s Liberty Tree

A nation is born

A new tree for America 250

America’s 300th birthday