There is an informative timeline of the Cherry Blossom trees in Washington DC
found here.
I "knew" that the Cherry Blossom trees had been there since 1912 (my daughter was there in 2012 for a school trip that happened to fall on the 100th anniversary). The National Park Service link above mentions that the hope for Cherry Blossoms goes back even further. And that Japan even gifted 2,000 trees in 1909 (coming by way of Seattle!). However, those trees were infested and the lot was sadly burned.
Japan gifted 3,020 trees in 1912 and they were successfully planted. In 1965 an additional gift of 3,800 trees was made by Japan. Propagates of the 1912 trees still exist.
Generations of visitors have enjoyed these beautiful trees.
"Washington Monument, Cherry Blossom Time, Washington, D. C." H. H. Rideout
"Cherry Blossom Time Washington, D. C. - The Japanese Cherry Blossoms around the Tidal Basin is considered the most beautiful Photographers' Paradise in the World. Thousands of Visitors from every State in the Nation and Foreign Countries, view this Nature's Magnificent Attraction each year. The Festival is held around April 1st Annually."
"Blooming of the Cherry Trees Washington, D. C. This event in the Spring attracts thousands of visitors. Washington Monument is pictorially framed with these blooms." Color by Mike Roberts Postmarked April 10, 1969. Message reads:
"Hi! Isn't that a beautiful picture on this postcard? The thing is, it looks just like that it's 80 degrees out. We visited all the 'tourist-traps' but after all they are interesting. We leave for New York tomorrow."
"Lincoln Memorial and Japanese Cherry Blossoms, Washington. D.C." " Lincoln Memorial and Japanese Cherry Blossoms, Washington, D. C. The Lincoln Memorial, modelled after a classic Greek Temple, is situated on an eminence in Potomac Park on the banks of the Potomac River. From the far side of Tidal Basin., the view as pictured here is very beautiful and attractive, especially in the early Spring when the Japanese Cherry Trees are in bloom."
"Lincoln Memorial Through Cherry Blossoms, Washington, D. C."
"Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D. C."
"Cherry Blossom Time in Washington, D. C." "Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Background" H. H. Rideout. Postmarked August 19, 1949
"The Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D. C. During the cherry blossom season in early spring the beautiful Jefferson Memorial is surrounded by pink blossoms."
"Cherry Blossom Time Thomas Jefferson Memorial Washington, D. C. - The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is located on the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. It is constructed of Danby Vermont marble for the exterior and Georgia white marble for its interior. This Historic Shrine with its setting of Cherry Blossoms is one of the most beautiful sights in Springtime, and is visited by thousands each year."
