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All the United States Pennsylvania Harrisburg John Goodway Sycamore Tree
AO Edited

John Goodway Sycamore Tree

This massive sycamore tree has been labeled as one of the largest in the state.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Added By
Eddy Kosik
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A large burrow at the base of the tree.   eddykosik / Atlas Obscura User
A large burrow at the base of the tree.   eddykosik / Atlas Obscura User
John Goodway Sycamore Tree   eddykosik / Atlas Obscura User
John Goodway Sycamore Tree   eddykosik / Atlas Obscura User
The tree   vplunetta / Atlas Obscura User
Single story warehouse for scale.   ickaimp / Atlas Obscura User
Tree ‘eating’ a brick at the base   ickaimp / Atlas Obscura User
John Goodway Sycamore Tree   eddykosik / Atlas Obscura User
John Goodway Sycamore   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Once thought to be the largest American sycamore in the state of Pennsylvania, the John Goodway sycamore has long been overshadowed by taller or wider trees. It's often obscured by various shrubs and its suburban surroundings. This tree is a giant nonetheless, deemed a "Champion tree" by the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, a title indicating that it's one of the largest of its species in the entire state. 

The tree garnered its name from an indigenous American man, who was believed to be buried just 10 feet north of the tree, possibly of Shawnee or Susquehannock descent. However, not much else is known about Goodway. What information is available often reveals more about the historical biases of the period in which Goodway lived than it does the man himself.

Although the tree is thought to be 400 years old, it's believed it was planted in the region around 1795.

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Trees History & Culture Nature Natural History Plants

Know Before You Go

The tree is easily found in the field behind a Korean martial arts studio, just off of Linglestown Road. There are plenty of places to park nearby.

Community Contributors

Added By

eddykosik

Edited By

ickaimp, vplunetta, blimpcaptain

  • ickaimp
  • vplunetta
  • blimpcaptain

Published

September 15, 2020

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Sources
  • http://www.pabigtrees.com/tree_detail.aspx?tree=TR20101011185950933
  • https://theburgnews.com/tag/john-goodway
  • https://www.newspapers.com/clip/710505/john-goodway3-of-3/
  • https://books.google.com/books?id=ddgnAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=john+goodway+sycamore+tree&source=bl&ots=djXkBJyy__&sig=ACfU3U3b4j1lg38k88thKTS2Be0FOUWOOQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi60frIsv3qAhU4mHIEHfPnDPMQ6AEwD3oECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=john%20goodway%20sycamore%20tree&f=false
John Goodway Sycamore Tree
2200 Woodview Dr
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17112
United States
40.335813, -76.820648
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Photo of Harrisburg

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Pennsylvania

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Harrisburg

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