Celebrate a Piece of Living History!

President Obama was presented with a piece of living history from the Emancipation Oak at Hampton University's graduation 2010. The seed from this orginal tree, found on the grounds of Hampton University, was grown and nurtured by McDonald Garden Center. President Obama plans to plant the seedling from this historical tree on the grounds of the White House in Washington, DC.

The Emancipation Oak is a historic Live Oak located on the campus of Hampton University. The large sprawling tree is designated as one of the 10 Great Trees of the World by the National Geographic Society and is part of the National Historic Landmarks.

During the American Civil War, Fort Monroe remained in Union hands, and became a place of refuge for escaped African American slaves seeking asylum. Prior to the Civil War, Virginia law had prohibited the education of slaves. Nevertheless, in 1861, Mrs. Mary Smith Peake taught children of former slaves under the tree, which was 3 miles outside of the protective safety of Fort Monroe, and held night classes under the tree for adults. In 1863, the Virginia Peninsula's African American community gathered under this tree to hear the first Southern reading of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Near this important tree in 1868, a land grant school was found by General Samuel C. Armstrong - Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. It became Hampton Institute in 1930 and gained University status in 1984, becoming Hampton University. There, in the 21st century, the venerable Emancipation Oak still stands to provide both shelter and inspiration to the school's students and staff.

Visit our Facebook page to see photos. http://www.facebook.com/pages/McDonald-Garden-Center/89766545879

Read more about this story at WAVY.com http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/hampton/obama-presented-seedling...