Liberty Tree marks nation’s 250th anniversary
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County officials and community members gathered March 4 at the Franklin County Archives for a ceremony marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission designated a Princeton elm for planting at the site as a Liberty Tree.
The commission provided each Alabama county with a Liberty Tree, a six- to eight-foot Princeton elm planted in recognition of the nation’s upcoming anniversary.
Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore welcomed attendees and opened the ceremony.
Katernia Cole Coffey, Franklin County Extension director, said the elm grows well across a range of climates.
“With the proper maintenance they take 20 to 30 years to mature but can grow up to 70 feet tall,” Cole Coffey said.
“Today, we plant this Liberty Tree and dedicate it to past generations that settled here in Franklin County and look forward as new generations make this great county their home,” Cole Coffey said.
County commissioners placed soil from their districts around the tree.
Greg Hovater, Joseph Baldwin and Tracie Clark added soil from their districts. District 1 Commissioner Grayson Murray could not attend, so his mother, Kathryn Murray, added soil on his behalf.
Buffie Ozbirn, a volunteer with the Franklin County Archives, described the symbolism of the soil.
“This soil represents the people who have lived and worked on this land we call Franklin County,” Ozbirn said.
“It is not merely dirt. It is a repository of history that holds traces of past generations that lived here.”
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce board members Meg Deaton, Hillary Hall, Emily Mays and Magen McLemore poured water from Bear Creek, Cedar Creek and Little Bear Creek onto the tree.
“Three major creeks wind their way through Franklin County: Bear Creek, Cedar Creek and Little Bear Creek,” said Cassie Medley, executive director chamber.
Representatives from three local garden clubs added fertilizer around the tree.
Cheri McCain represented the Cultura Garden Club, Mary Katherine Higgins represented the Red Bay Garden Club and Betty Moore represented the Rural Acres Garden Club.
Mayors added soil during the ceremony. David Grissom represented Russellville, Mike Shewbart represented Red Bay, Greg Williams represented Phil Campbell and Sue Raper represented Vina.
A bronze plaque will be mounted near the tree.
The plaque reads: “This marker and Liberty Tree commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and America’s 250th birthday — July 4, 2026. Presented by the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission.”
Shelby County artist Nelson Grice designed the plaque, and the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana forged it.
Atkins Marble and Granite Works of Russellville provided the granite base.
