The America’s 250th South Dakota Commission held a “Liberty Tree” planting ceremony today (May 22, 2026) at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.
State Historical Society Assistant Director David Grabitske said the original Liberty Tree was seen by the British as a sign of rebellion.
Hanging by the Liberty Tree is a black boot with a green bottom and a skeleton-like doll inside it. Grabitske called it a little bit of “1770s political commentary.”
Grabitske said several towns and some state parks have expressed interest in also planting a Liberty Tree as part of the America250th activities this year.
The Liberty Tree planted in Pierre Tuesday was donated by the South Dakota Nursery & Landscape Association.
The original Liberty Tree stood in Boston and served as a community gathering spot and focal point for political discourse. During the War for Independence, the British Loyalists chopped it down, but other towns planted their own Liberty Trees from a variety of the elm species.
South Dakota’s Liberty Tree with view of the State Capitol Dome in the background.
May 26, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
South Dakota Liberty Tree’s boot.
May 26, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
South Dakota’s Liberty Tree with view of state Health Department Workforce and Education Center in the background.
May 26, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
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