U.S. Capitol Tree at Independence Square
Independence Square 233 N. Main, Independence, Missouri
Come visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from Oregon to Washington D.C. You can sign the banner that will be displayed with the tree. Parks and Recreation will also have a variety of events to commemorate the occasion. The tree will be on display 9 am to 10 am. Activities will follow.
One more reason to make the Square your home for the holidays.
The tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree, or “The People’s Tree,” began in 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John W. McCormack (D-MA) placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn. This tree lived three years before succumbing to wind and root damage.
In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree. Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide “The People’s Tree.” This national forest also works with state forests to provide companion trees that are smaller Christmas trees for offices in Washington, D.C.
The Willamette National Forest in Oregon will provide the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.