WASHINGTON, D.C. — A historic landmark, the Northampton Oak, estimated to be over 400 years old, tragically fell on Monday morning, causing damage to a home and several vehicles on Northampton Street, Northwest.
Long-time resident Gary Thompson described hearing a “loud crack” that signaled the tree’s fall, which also resulted in downed power lines and a temporary power outage in the area.
Despite the extensive property damage, there were no injuries reported. Thompson expressed relief that the incident was not more severe and shared his hope that the wood from the fallen oak could be repurposed into furniture.
He also plans to seek out younger trees in the city that originated from the oak’s acorns, preserving a legacy of the once-mighty tree that served as a beloved community centerpiece.