Washington Magnolia Tree (1839)

Planted in 1839 near the original location of Grandison Royston's law office, and currently shading the Royston Log Home which was relocated from his plantation, this southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the tallest in the state of Arkansas. As a tree on park land, it is always accessible to visitors.

The Historic Washington Magnolia was recognized as the state champion from 1983-1996 and remains a landmark. Over the years, this magnolia has also been referred to as the "Royston Magnolia," "Crockett/Bowie Magnolia," and the "Jones Magnolia." The Jones naming came from James K. Jones who later lived on the land the tree was planted on: Jones later became a U.S. Senator for Arkansas. By the 1930s, the story of James Black led many to Washington, and the tree served as a marker for directing people to the street the original shop was located near. Black also lived next door to the tree himself during his time under Dr. Isaac Newton Jones's guardianship following the loss of his sight.

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Spears, Leita. Photo Essay: Branches in Time, Historic Washington State Park . July 7th 2020. Accessed April 16th 2022. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/articles/photo-essay-branches-time.

Williams, Charlean Moss. The Old Town Speaks : Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, gateway to Texas, 1835, Confederate Capital, 1863. Houston, Texas. The Anson Jones Press, 1951.

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