historymarker

Historical Marker

Washington Oak
Across Boston Road from this site (at the historical marker)
once stood the "Washington Oak", so named to
commemorate President Washington's visit to Billerica.
This primitive tree, which long stood as a symbol of
Billerica pride was felled in 1985 during Hurricane Gloria.
Below is replicated the text of a plaque which was
formally affixed to the Oak's massive trunk.

"This tree was here when George Washington passed
through Billerica Nov. 5, 1789 during a tour of New
England, and is one of the original Forest trees. Extract
from Washington's diary -

'Mr. Phillip accompanied me from Andover through
Ballarika to Lexington. A mile or two from Andover you
descend into a pine, level, pretty, sandy, and mixed with
swamps through which you ride several miles till you ascend
the heights on which the town of Ballarika stands, which is
so pleasantly situated 10 miles from Andover.'

-This inscription placed by the Billerica Historical Society in
1896

Solomon Pollard Tavern
Directly to the Southeast of this location, Jonathan Danforth, Jr. erected his Homestead in 1682. In 1710 the building was modified as a tavern, and in 1768 was bought by Solomon Pollard who continued operation of the tavern until his death in 1803 when it was reverted to private use. During the years the building served as a tavern, it was a center of political and community activities, most importantly the years of the American Revolution. The building was destroyed by fire in 1977.

-Billerica Historical Society
Billerica Museum Committee
Billerica Beautification Committee
2002

My Note:
Looks like this was the location of the first Howe High
School that was in turn used for the Billerica Museum and in which was later used as the Billerica Food Pantry. Un-
fortunately, it does not appear to be in use for anything now.

The sign on the rock above gives visitors historic landmarks
and locations of the Danforth House (Solomon Pollard Tavern) and the famous Oak Tree planted after George Washington (first President of the United States) visited Billerica.
- Binny