For the majority of Davidge Hall's over 200-year history, a nearly 80-foot English elm, known as the Davidge Elm, stood next to it, becoming another symbol for the strength and successes of UMB.
This story was originally written by Tara Wink of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library and published on April 30, 2021, to celebrate Arbor Day.
Davidge Hall stands as the oldest continuously used medical education building in the United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and stands as both a Baltimore and University landmark. For the majority of the building’s over 200-year history, a nearly 80-foot English elm, known as the Davidge Elm, stood next to it, becoming another symbol for the strength and successes of the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
The Davidge Elm is believed to have been planted sometime around the building of Davidge Hall. The cornerstone for Davidge Hall was laid April 7, 1811, on land that was then on the outskirts of the city of Baltimore purchased from Col. John Eager Howard in 1808. The first instruction in the building took place in October 1812 and the building was completed in 1813, costing roughly $40,000.
Other reports suggest the elm was planted in 1728 marking the boundary of Col. Howard’s estate. However, these reports are probably referring to a different historic Baltimore Elm, known as the Rochambeau tree, which stood on the corner of Mulberry and Charles streets. The Rochambeu Tree also was part of the Howard estate and unfortunately was cut down due to disease in July 1987.
Regardless of when it was planted, the Davidge Elm was a beloved campus landmark. The tree witnessed numerous historic events and was listed in the American Forestry Association of Washington, D.C.’s list of famous historical and noteworthy trees in 1989. Additionally, the Davidge Elm was chosen as the symbol for UMB in 1996 for the first Founders Day celebration. Since that time, the elm remains an important figure on campus, though the tree itself was removed in 2001 when it was deemed unsafe due to age and disease.
Today, a new, smaller English elm tree stands next to Davidge Hall. The sapling was planted during a ceremony as part of the 200th anniversary of Davidge Hall. The new tree was donated by Richard L. Taylor, School of Medicine Class of 1975, and his wife, Kathie; it was grown from seeds taken from the original Davidge Elm tree.
As part of UMB’s ongoing landscaping contract with Lorenz, Inc., the elm sapling is regularly monitored and maintained to ensure its prosperity for years to come. With the right care, we hope this elm will live as long and grow as large as its parent tree.