The Oldest English Elms ...

In the Western Hemisphere, apparently.  There are two elms bracketing the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Boston Common, directly across the street from the State House.  Most people come to look at the memorial, which of course merits their attention, but have no idea that the trees themselves have great historical interest.  These trees have been confirmed to have been planted some time between 1772 and 1812!  One of the trees has been filled with bricks in an effort to stabilize it in 2013 -- which is what you can see in this photograph.  More about their history can be found here.

Extra:  The trees in all their glory.