Station Tree - Natick, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 19.257 W 071° 19.663
19T E 308190 N 4688035
This tree, a white oak, was referenced in a survey to define the boundary of the towns of Natick and, then, Needham.
Waymark Code: WM10CJE
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 04/14/2019
Views: 2
In Natick, along Winter Street, is the Station Tree, once used as a survey to define the boundary of the towns of Natick and, then Needham.
The tree is located on the north side of the road, about a hundred feet east from the intersection with Hovey Avenue. As Winter Street is narrow for a busy street, it is best to park along Hovey Avenue.
The tree is a white oak that stands right at the edge of the road. It's dimensions are as follows (according to an article in the state newsletter, The Citizen Forester):
Diameter at Breast Height (D.B.H):4.8 feet (57.8 inches)
Circumference:15.1 feet (181.5 inches)
Height:75 feet
Estimated Age: 500 years.
Oaks, especially white oaks, were often used in surveys, because they were long-lasting trees that also were distinguishable from other trees. Livermore, in 1749, used the tree to mark the northeast corner of the "Needham Leg, which was a protrusion of Needham into Natick. Natick was established in 1651 as a "Praying Indian Town" of Rev. John Eliot, partly carved out of the original Dedham Plantation. Needham was carved out of Dedham in 1711 and included the present towns of Needham, Dedham, and Wellesley, and parts of Natick and Weston. Today, the boundary line is between Natick and Weston, and, as far as I can tell, the line is now further east by about 100 ft, so the tree is no longer part of modern boundary.
There is a metal marker to one side that states:
"STATION TREE
Part of the
Livermore Survey
1749
Quercus alba"
Source:
Mass.gov (The Citizen Forester, September 2017 - The Station Tree):
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visit link)
Map of Natick, 1750:
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visit link)
Web Page (www.millermicro.com):
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visit link)