Washington chopped down cherry trees

Exhibit uncovers Ithaca’s pastIt’s a little known fact that George Washington chopped down more than one cherry tree, according to Jack Rossen, associate professor and chair of the anthropology department.

In 1779, General John Sullivan was ordered by Washington to destroy the Hodenosaunee, or Iroquois, for their loyalty to the British. The campaign destroyed 43 communities, including Peachtown, a Cayuga Indian village located 30 miles north of Ithaca, known for its 1,500 peach, apple and cherry trees.For more on Washington's dealings with Indians, see Fun Fourth of July Facts.