Murfreesboro, TN – The historic sycamore tree at the southeast corner of the Rutherford County Historic Courthouse in Murfreesboro is slated for removal after the public pays homage to what it has witnessed during its 176-year lifespan.  Next week on the morning after election day, the community is encouraged to gather on the inner circle of the courthouse and share memories of the tree.

Rutherford County Historian Greg Tucker in his book “Remembering Rutherford” published in 2010 devoted a chapter to the tree titled the Courthouse Sycamore.  At the time of that writing, Tucker measured the circumference at four feet up the trunk at 16 and one-half feet. 

The tree was acknowledged and honored by the Rutherford County Historical Society at their 2023 awards banquet as the local citizen that made the most contribution.  

“The tree was the oldest living thing on the square, the Courthouse Sycamore evidences our community’s legacy and expansive history,” Tucker said.  “It has seen 175 years of history on the square.  It’s a sad loss but living things don’t live forever.”

After extensive efforts to preserve the sycamore tree that stands at the southeast corner at the Rutherford County Historic Courthouse, it is scheduled to be removed during the first week of November 2024.

Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said, “The Tree Whisperer could not infuse new life to the beloved sycamore. Now, the arborist has obtained grafts from the tree in an effort to maintain the genetic line in future saplings.”

Reports indicate that this is working and a genetically direct replacement tree will be placed where the stately sycamore once stood. That process will take approximately 10-12 years.    

Gather under the dying tree at 9:00 o’clock Wednesday morning, Nov. 6, 2024 and share memories of the sycamore - Perhaps your memories deal with the whittlers, Uncle Dave or maybe the "big question" was asked under that tree. You can also email memories to news@wgnsradio.com