Franklin D. Roosevelt Commemorative – Southern Magnolia

Franklin Roosevelt seated in a chair.
President Roosevelt lays the cornerstone for the East Wing on November 5, 1942, months after the building was constructed. The President is seated during this ceremony as he relied on a wheelchair due to a polio diagnosis and did not want to be seen using a wheelchair in the public eye.

Courtesy Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum / NARA

Magnolia grandiflora
1942


In 1942 this southern magnolia tree was planted southeast of the entrance to the newly constructed East Wing. This planting replaced a southern magnolia tree planted by President Warren G. Harding in 1922. The new tree was designated as a commemorative tree for President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the mid-1950s.
 
A large, round magnolia tree glows brilliantly green against a blue sky by the east wing entrance.
Southern magnolia (2025)

NPS / Nathan King

A bronze plaque labels the Franklin Roosevelt southern magnolia.
Southern magnolia commemorative plaque

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

A spherical, leafy tree in front of the East Wing entrance, adjacent to the fence.
Southern magnolia (2023)

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

 

 

Last updated: June 2, 2025

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