100 Years of Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

The iconic trees were a gift from Tokyo, marking a century of international friendship.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:52am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph capturing the soft, ethereal beauty of cherry blossom petals drifting in the breeze, with warm, pastel-colored pools of light creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.The annual bloom of Washington, D.C.'s iconic cherry blossom trees marks a century of international friendship and a beloved springtime tradition.Fort Wayne Today

On March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan's ambassador to the U.S. planted the first two cherry trees in Washington, D.C. The more than 3,000 trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo, a symbol of international friendship between the two cities. Today, D.C. is home to nearly 4,000 cherry trees, and the city's Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Why it matters

The cherry blossom trees have become an iconic symbol of Washington, D.C., drawing millions of visitors each year to witness the stunning spring blooms. The trees' origins as a gift from Tokyo represent an enduring international friendship and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan.

The details

In 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan's ambassador to the U.S. planted the first two cherry trees along the northwest wall of the Tidal Basin. Over the years, the trees grew in number to nearly 4,000. In 1938, when construction began on the Jefferson Memorial, around 150 society ladies chained themselves to the trees to protect them, leading President Franklin Roosevelt to dub the incident the 'Cherry Tree Rebellion' and promise the women the trees would be transplanted instead.

  • On March 27, 1912, the first two cherry trees were planted in Washington, D.C.
  • In 1938, around 150 society ladies chained themselves to the trees to protect them during construction of the Jefferson Memorial.
  • Today marks the start of the four-week-long Cherry Blossom Festival, the longest-running festival in the city.
  • The Cherry Blossom Festival will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

The players

Helen Herron Taft

The First Lady of the United States at the time the first cherry trees were planted in Washington, D.C.

Mayor of Tokyo

The mayor of Tokyo who gifted the more than 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. as a symbol of international friendship.

Franklin Roosevelt

The President of the United States who dubbed the incident of society ladies chaining themselves to the cherry trees the 'Cherry Tree Rebellion' and promised the trees would be transplanted instead.

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What’s next

Next year, the Cherry Blossom Festival will celebrate its 100th anniversary, marking a century of the iconic trees' presence in the nation's capital.

The takeaway

The cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. represent an enduring international friendship and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan, as well as a beloved annual tradition that brings joy and beauty to the city each spring.