Events associated with the tree are both dramatic and historic.
In 1662, King Charles II of England granted Connecticut a colonial charter, allowing a form of self-government. But 20 years later, King James II decided the colonies needed closer royal supervision. He annulled the charter and appointed new leaders. Sir Edmund Andros, the Governor of the Dominion of New England, traveled to Connecticut with a group of soldiers to take control of the colony and revoke its charter. The charter was laid on a table.