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New York City, New York / Landmarks

Hangman's Elm

Located in the northwest corner of Washington Square Park, this ancient English elm is one of Manhattan's oldest living trees, shrouded in legends of public executions and dark colonial history.

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Hangman's Elm
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Where is the Hangman's Elm located?

The Hangman's Elm is an English elm located at the northwest corner of Washington Square Park in Manhattan, New York City.

What is the Hangman's Elm known for?

It is known as one of the oldest trees on Manhattan Island and is surrounded by legends that it was used for executions, including during the Revolutionary War.

Were people actually hanged from the Hangman's Elm?

No public records exist to confirm that hangings took place from this tree, and it stood on private farmland until the city added it to Washington Square in 1827. The only recorded execution in the immediate area was that of Rose Butler in 1819 or 1820.

How old is the Hangman's Elm?

Estimates of the tree's age vary; NYC Parks determined it was 310 years old in 1989 (later revised to more than 300 years), while other sources state it is approximately 346 years old.

What are the dimensions of the tree?

NYC Parks lists the tree as having a height of 131.2 feet and a trunk diameter of 70 inches, though a measurement from around 2000 placed it at 135 feet tall with a 67-inch diameter.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Hangman's Elm is a towering English elm (Ulmus procera) situated at the northwest corner of Washington Square Park. It is recognized as one of the oldest trees on Manhattan Island, with some estimates placing its age at approximately 346 years old. The tree's physical presence is imposing, reaching a height of 131.2 feet and possessing a trunk diameter of 70 inches. In 1985, NYC Parks designated it as a Great Tree, and a new plaque was added in 2025 to commemorate this status. Historically, the tree stood on private farm land west of Minetta Brook until the city purchased the land and integrated it into Washington Square in 1827. The area surrounding the tree was once a potter's field, serving as a burial ground for enslaved people and yellow fever victims. This grim backdrop contributed to the legacy of the tree's name. Despite its ominous name, research by historians and archaeologists indicates that no public records exist of hangings actually occurring from the tree itself. The name 'hanging tree' only began appearing in sources from the late 19th century, long after the supposed events. While state and extrajudicial hangings took place nearby, the only recorded execution in the immediate vicinity was that of Rose Butler, an enslaved African American woman executed for arson in 1820. Today, the elm remains a living monument to the city's complex history, blending celebratory cultural significance with a painful past. It stands as a natural landmark that continues to attract visitors interested in both botany and the dark legends of early New York City.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the new Great Tree plaque installed in 2025 to learn more about the tree's significance.
  • Visit during the morning to avoid the larger crowds typically found in Washington Square Park.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through the rest of Washington Square Park to appreciate the other historic trees.

Nearby context

The Hangman's Elm stands at the northwest corner of Washington Square Park, placing it at the intersection of the park's greenery and the surrounding Greenwich Village neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links