For nearly two centuries, a towering southern magnolia tree has stood proudly on the White House South Lawn, witnessing history unfold. This iconic tree, which even survived a plane crash in 1994, has now been ordered for removal due to safety concerns.
Planted in the mid-1800s, this magnolia is believed to have ties to President Andrew Jackson. According to White House folklore, Jackson brought seeds from his Tennessee home and planted them in memory of his late wife, Rachel. Though historical records suggest the tree appeared after his presidency, it has long been a beloved part of the White House landscape. In 2006, the National Park Service designated it as a “Witness Tree” for its role in countless historic events. Its sprawling branches provided shade for presidents, diplomats, and visitors for generations.
One of the most dramatic moments in the tree’s history came on September 12, 1994, when a small Cessna plane crashed onto the South Lawn. The pilot, Frank Eugene Corder, stole the aircraft and flew it into the White House grounds, dying on impact. While the crash caused minimal damage to the building, the magnolia tree was struck—yet it remarkably survived. For 30 more years, the tree continued to grow, becoming a silent witness to presidential transitions, state visits, and national milestones.
Despite its resilience, age and damage have taken their toll. President Donald Trump announced the tree’s removal on Truth Social, calling it a “dangerous safety hazard.” He assured the public that the historic wood would be preserved and possibly repurposed for “high and noble” uses. A replacement tree will be planted in its place, though it remains unclear whether it will be one of the cultivated offshoots grown by White House groundskeepers. These young trees, already 10 feet tall, were nurtured to continue the magnolia legacy.
This removal is part of broader renovations under the Trump administration, including modifications to the Rose Garden. The president has cited practical reasons, such as drainage issues, for these updates. As the historic magnolia is taken down, it marks the end of an era—but its legacy will live on, both in preserved wood and in the memories of those who walked beneath its branches. The White House continues to evolve, blending history with the needs of the future. For now, one of its oldest living witnesses will soon be gone, but its story remains etched in the nation’s history.
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