The Clark elm, Lexington, Massachusetts before 1890

This photograph of "The Clark Elm, Lexington, Massachusetts" was made by Henry Brooks. This image presents us with a seemingly straightforward depiction of nature. Yet, the very act of photographing this particular tree in Lexington elevates it to a symbol, imbued with social and historical meaning. Lexington, of course, is where the American Revolutionary War began, and the choice to document this specific elm cannot be divorced from its potential association with the birth of American liberty. The meticulous framing of the tree, centered and monumentalized, suggests an effort to enshrine it within the national narrative. This photograph invites us to consider how seemingly neutral depictions of nature can be subtly mobilized to reinforce notions of national identity and historical memory. To understand this image more deeply, it would be useful to investigate the local history of Lexington, and explore the role of photography in shaping national identity.