The Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees 

 of Washington, D.C. 



A Living Symbol of Friendship 



THE JAPANESE FLOWERING CHERRY TREES - 

 ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT 



In 1876, during the American Revolution Centennial Year, the area 

 bordering the Potomac River, where the beautiful Japanese flowering 

 cherry trees now stand, encompassed one of the least desirable locations 

 in Washington, D.C. (fig. 1). This area was a dreary swamp not far from 

 the White House where weeds flourished and mosquitoes bred, causing 

 many health problems. Today, after major reclamation and horticultural 

 development projects, this area, now named Potomac Park, is known 

 throughout the world for its great beauty. 



Although the reclamation of the Potomac River area is in itself an out- 

 standing engineering accomplishment, Potomac Park is not widely known 

 for this undertaking. The park is famous internationally for the beautiful 

 Japanese flowering cherry trees that were a gift of friendship to this 

 country from the people of Japan. 



The story behind the donation and planting of these trees in the 

 Nation's Capital is interesting, and one that has been told, in part, in 

 numerous brief published accounts. Although several of these accounts 

 partially explain how the planting of these cherry trees originated, the 

 entire circumstances surrounding the origin of Washington's flowering 

 cherry trees are historically important. 



In Japan, the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura," as it is called by the 

 Japanese people, is one of the most exalted of all flowering plants. The 

 high regard in which it is held is reflected in all aspects of the culture, life, 

 and literature of the Japanese people. As early as the 5th century, A.D., 

 the Japanese Emperor and his Court paid homage to the Sakura. 



