In the heart of Chehalis lies a curious and seemingly ordinary tree stump with an extraordinary story that stands as a testament to a bygone era of political rhetoric. Known as the McKinley Stump, this peculiar relic of American history stands tall, beginning life as a single seedling before being transformed into a presidential platform.
Though the president it was named for never got a chance to stand upon it, the stump went on to become an important piece of American history. Over the years, it has endured fires, relocations, and infestations, yet the legacy of this mighty Douglas Fir has remained deeply rooted and is still celebrated today through a carefully crafted replica near the Lewis County Historical Museum.
If a Tree Falls in the Forest….
In 1901, a giant Douglas Fir tree, estimated to be 360 years old, stood silently in the forest near Pe Ell. Its fate would change dramatically when news arrived that President William McKinley would be visiting Chehalis and required a speaking platform. The towering tree was cut down and transported by railroad to Chehalis.
Tragically, fate intervened before McKinley could ascend the platform that bore his name. His wife’s illness forced the cancellation of his trip, and shortly thereafter, the nation was plunged into mourning after the president’s assassination. Yet, the stump remained, a silent sentinel of a moment that never was. Though McKinley never stood upon it, the stage was set, and the story was far from over.
Does the McKinley Stump Make a Sound?
While the stump remained silent during McKinley’s absence, it would soon echo with the fervor of another president. In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt, the man who ascended to the presidency after McKinley’s tragic assassination, made his way to Chehalis. The stump, once a silent monument to a canceled visit, became the stage for a dynamic and impassioned speech. Roosevelt’s words, carried on the wind as he stood atop it for a “stump speech,” marked a new chapter in the stump’s history as the only U.S. President to do so.
Later, in 1907, William Howard Taft, then Secretary of War, also addressed the nation from the same platform, using it as a podium. His speech, a precursor to his presidential victory the following year, further cemented the stump’s place in political lore. These presidential addresses transformed the McKinley Stump from a mere wooden relic into a living symbol of American leadership and democracy.
A Stumped History for the McKinley Stump
However, McKinley Stump’s story is not without its trials. Following the presidential speeches, the once-grand stage began to decline. Despite its historical significance, the stump faced a series of challenges.
The first difficulty came in the form of vandalism. In the late 1940s, vandals set the stump on fire. This act of destruction necessitated repairs and, more importantly, a new location. In the hope of better protecting the landmark, it was relocated from its original spot near the intersection of West Street and Market Boulevard to Recreation Park, now called Penny Playground.
Despite these relocation efforts, the McKinley Stump’s decline was inevitable. By 2007, the once-mighty Douglas Fir was in a critical state. The Lewis County Historical Society, recognizing the stump’s historical significance, had hoped to preserve a cross-section of the deteriorating landmark, but by then, it was Infested with carpenter ants and riddled with internal rot. Unfortunately, when city crews began the removal process, it became apparent that the stump was irreparably compromised and with heavy hearts, the community accepted the loss of the original and began the arduous task of creating a fitting tribute.
Blooming Anew with a Replica of Chehalis’ McKinley Stump
Despite the tragic decline of the original McKinley Stump, the spirit of this historic landmark lives on. Recognizing the importance of preserving this piece of local and national history, the Lewis County Historical Society partnered with Weyerhaeuser to create a fitting replacement. A new, old-growth Douglas Fir was harvested near Tenino and transformed into a replica of the original stump.
Today, this second incarnation of the McKinley Stump stands proudly under the restored pagoda, a testament to the community’s resilience and dedication to honoring its past. Located outside the Lewis County Historical Museum, the replica invites visitors to contemplate the rich history encapsulated within its rings. It is a place where history and nature intertwine, inviting us to ponder the lives of those who stood upon its surface and the countless stories yet to be told. While the physical structure has changed, the spirit of the original endures a reminder of presidential visits, community resilience, and the enduring power of a story etched into the heart of Chehalis.
