DELAVAN — The Delavan community is mourning the loss of the Civil War Muster Tree that that stood for more than 270 years before succumbing to disease.

The tree at the intersection of 7th and Washington streets was taken down Oct. 17, 2023, with only a large stump now remaining.

The tree suffered from a combination of Burr Oak Blight, Leaf Scorch and an attack by Two-Lined Chestnut Borers. More than 65 percent of the tree had died over the past few years.

Knowing that the tree was at the end of its life, acorns were gathered earlier in the year in hopes to have trees that came from this mighty oak tree grow in the future.

Now that the tree is gone, the Delavan Historical Society wants to continue to commemorate its historic significance and is hoping to raise $10,000 to turn the stump into a commemorative carving.

During 1861 to 1865 young men were “mustered” or assembled there before they left by train for the Union Army’s training camps.

The historical society would like to continue to honor those who “mustered” there more than 158 years ago on their way to serve the Union army with a professional carving of the remaining trunk.

Please consider donating to this worthwhile project by donating HERE.

or

Mail a check to:

Delavan Historical Society
P.O. Box 746
Delavan, WI 53115