September 3, 2026
Fayette County to Plant Heritage Tree as Part of America 250-Ohio Commemoration
Washington Court House, OH (September 3, 2026) — A ceremonial tree planting will take root in Fayette County as part of the Heritage Trees: Planting History program under America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations around America’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
The Heritage Trees program officially kicked off in Lima, on Arbor Day 2025 (April 25, 2025), and will ensure the planting of a commemorative tree in communities across the state.
Started in 2025 and continuing throughout 2026, Heritage Trees will be planted in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. In Fayette County the tree will be planted on the Fayette County Court House Lawn on September 18, 2026 at noon. This site was chosen for the Heritage Tree because of the visibility of this historic and central location.
The Heritage Trees initiative draws inspiration from the historic Liberty Tree in Boston during the Revolutionary War period. The Heritage Trees program aims to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by planting native-to-Ohio white oak trees across the state. Throughout the celebration, America 250-Ohio will offer each Ohio county a white oak tree in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Sites selected in each county could be a city that acts as the county seat or participates in the Tree City USA program.
“As we commemorate America 250, this tree planting symbolizes growth, renewal, and our commitment to leaving our community stronger for the next generation.”
White oak trees were selected because they grow in many soil types, resist most tree diseases and are native to Ohio. A specific white oak species is chosen based on the county climate and purchased from a reputable Ohio tree nursery.
The Heritage Trees program is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Cenovus Energy and Supporting Sponsors Ohio Liquor and The Lubrizol Foundation. The program was created in partnership with Dawes Arboretum, Cox Arboretum MetroPark, Holden Forests & Gardens, Keep Ohio Beautiful, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Rowe Arboretum, and Secrest Arboretum.
About Fayette County
Fayette County’s history is rooted in its early agricultural heritage, developing throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as a center for farming, transportation, and small‑town commerce in southwest Ohio. Over time, the county has blended rural traditions with growing industry and community investment, shaping a resilient and close‑knit region known for its strong civic identity and commitment to progress.
About America 250-Ohio
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of theDeclaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration that reflects its unique character and contributions to the nation over the past 250 years. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (also known as the America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. Its charge is to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present and future. More information is available at America250-Ohio.org.
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