Liberty Knife - Living History Series
In the troubled years of the American Revolution, men wanted by the Crown of Great Britain for treason were forced to gather out-of-doors to avoid detection and execution. They often designated trees as the location of their meetings. These became known as “Liberty Trees. If the red coats found the tree, but no colonial “traitors,” they often vented their wrath by felling the tree in hopes that they could dampen the spirit of freedom by toppling the magnificent witnesses to so many patriotic plans. Under the haven of Liberty Trees, leading colonists devised plans of rebellion against British control. A few of the Liberty Trees survived the axe and the slow passage of years.
The nation’s last remaining Liberty Tree, a towering tulip poplar, stood in Annapolis, Maryland on the grounds of St. John’s College. The tree was about 400 years old, had withstood time, lightning strikes, bug infestations and student pranks, but disease and old age, combined with Hurricane Floyd in 1999, finally took its toll. Having outlived its species by 100 years, the tree witnessed the most significant moments leading to the development of the United States. A Maryland landscaper salvaged the wood and sought organizations who would utilize it with reverence.
In 2001, The Providence Forum, a Philadelphia based non-profit educational organization, purchased the remaining Liberty Tree wood and began a preservation and educational program through the development of gifts honoring American history and American heroes. World renowned artisan, Eugene Landon, was commissioned to craft a series of historic items to be presented to American citizens and organizations that best represent duty to country and honor to God. The Providence Forum incorporated the Liberty Tree wood into Liberty Tree Bible Boxes that were presented to President George W. Bush, President James Earl Carter, and the United States Naval Academy. A large piece was chosen to make the yoke for the Spirit of Liberty Bell, a full-sized traveling replica of the historic Liberty Bell, cast to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the original Bell, which had been commissioned in 1751 to celebrate religious liberty in America. A substantial portion of the remaining Liberty Tree wood was given to American Forests to be used in products like the Liberty Tree Knife.
The blade is engraved with “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America,” and has a certificate of authenticity. Only 1,776 were produced to honor the year of America’s declaration of liberty. Includes a Glass Top Wooden Display Case and Certificate of Authenticity.
Discontinued by the manufacturer, this product is no longer available. Please see related products below.
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