Washington’s Oldest Apple Tree

“It is remarkable how closely the history of the apple tree is connected with that of man.” —Henry David Thoreau
This particular apple tree has definitely seen some history. It has seen not only its own life cycle over and over since 1826, it has also seen generations of people come and go. The trunk looks much different than the average, orchard apple trunk, as in too big to even encompass it in a bear hug! To help it keep its posture during its senior years, a metal post has been anchored through the trunk.

Vancouver’s newspaper, The Columbian, features a picture of the apple tree in 1920 surrounded by an open field and only its small decorative chain and post enclosure. Now, not only is it surrounded by a six-foot wrought iron fence, it is surrounded by freeway to the north and railroad tracks to the south with Vancouver’s business skyline to the west.
To see the state’s oldest apple tree, find your way along Columbia street near Joe’s Crab Shack. There is a walking path across the street that leads to the old apple tree.