Silver-mounted cruciform relic pendant. Mid-19th century, after 1856. Dedication plaques engraved "Charter Oak" and "Ada." Approx. 1 1/2 x 2 x 1/4 in., including bail.

Sourced from wood of the Charter Oak, which grew in Hartford, Connecticut, this crucifix was made after a devastating lightning storm felled the tree in 1856. Prized for its symbolism of American independence, patriotism, and spiritual fortitude, wood from the Charter Oak, believed to have been one thousand years old, was desirable in the manufacture of jewelry, furniture, folk art, and other objets de virtu during the middle of the nineteenth century.

Deeply enmeshed in our nation's history, the oversized oak tree played an integral role in colonial Connecticut's rebellion against the British crown beginning in the 17th century. Though King Charles II had issued a colonial charter to Connecticut in 1662, the succession of King James II essentially jeopardized Connecticut's autonomy as he sought to consolidate power in a larger, aggregate New England colony. When Sir Edmund Andros was sent to collect all colonial charters, he engaged in a debate with the people of Hartford. Purportedly, during their conversation, the candles lighting the meeting hall were mysteriously extinguished. Once the light was restored, the charter was gone, having been absconded with by Captain Joseph Wadsworth, who hid the document in the hollow of a nearby oak tree, which came to be known as the Charter Oak.

[Colonial America, 13 Colonies, Thirteen Colonies] [American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, Colonial America, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe] [Relics]