Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Amid an afternoon of swirling snowflakes mixed with sawdust, crews with Alpha & Omega Complete Tree Care made the final cut that brought Frank the Liberty Tree to the ground on Friday, January 16.

Crystal Beasley, tenant at 328 S. Monroe Avenue, stated in a media release that Frank was laid to rest at 5:38 pm. Beasley has taken on the role of media spokesperson for Frank and the property owners, Thomas Harris and Jessica Thomas, who learned about this tree’s history after purchasing the property where Frank grew in August 2025.

According to a certificate from 1976, a burr oak the owners have lovingly named “Frank” was named a Liberty Tree during the American Bicentennial. Then believed to be more than 200 years old, this tree survived another 50 years before developing a root fungus that made it dangerous for the homeowners and surrounding properties.

In final measurements, Frank had a circumference of 17 feet, 6 inches and the diameter at its widest was 5 feet, 6 inches. 

The diameter of this 250+ year old tree was measured at 5.5 feet. Pieces will be offered for sale for those who woodwork or just want a memento.

“Frank stood for 250 years without asking to be remembered,” stated Beasley, “The community chose to remember him for centuries of shade, legacy and protection.”

Due to interest from across the country as well as locally, chunks of Frank’s wood — from hand-held pieces to diameter chunks —- will be offered for sale to help defray the cost of removal. A public sale that will include pieces of all sizes and budgets will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 1 from 12 to 4 pm at the site. Beasley stated she expected prices to begin at $10.00.

A selection of pieces can also be purchased through online preorders beginning at 12 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Pieces may be shipped for an additional fee. Visit the webpage for details at www.frankthelibertytree.com

Owner Jessica Thomas and the crew from Alpha & Omega Complete Tree Care braved the weather for a photo with Frank the Liberty Tree on January 16. Submitted by Crystal Beasley.