Charter Oak was a huge tree in Hartford, Connecticut. It became famous because of a tradition that Connecticut’s original charter was hidden there to keep the English governor from seizing it.
When James II became King of England in 1685, he appointed Sir Edmund Andros governor of the Dominion of New England. Andros was sent to Hartford in 1687 to seize the Connecticut charter and take control of the colony. He appeared at a legislative meeting to demand the charter. Debate lasted into the night, and candles were lighted. Suddenly, the candles went out. When they were relighted, the charter was gone. According to tradition, Joseph Wadsworth took the charter and hid it in a nearby oak tree.
Andros’ rule ended in 1689 after James II fell from power. The charter remained Connecticut’s supreme law until a new constitution was adopted in 1818. A windstorm destroyed the Charter Oak in 1856. A granite shaft marks the spot where it stood.
See also Andros, Sir Edmund.
