Legend: The Boutonville Oak
For generations, the mighty oak tree has been revered by diverse cultures as a symbol of strength, durability, courage, truth, protection, and life itself. The ancient Druids believed it also bestowed good luck, fertility, and healing. Pound Ridge’s most famous oak, the Boutonville Oak, is located in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and estimated to be over four hundred years old.
Folklore surrounds the oak, which has witnessed much of our community’s remarkable history. The tree’s best known story may be its saddest. The story involves a father who left his children alone on a windy winter night to visit a local tavern. While gone, a fire broke out and destroyed his home. Tragically, his four children were lost in the blaze. The man was scorned and the children’s bodies were buried by neighbors under the branches of the stately oak.
Boutonville residents have attested to seeing a strange light that moves in an arc across the fields there. It is said that the heartbroken father still searches for the graves of his children, swinging a lantern back and forth, as he resolutely seeks their final resting place. If you peer into the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on a dark night maybe you can catch a glimpse of his lantern too.
We prefer daytime visits when the park is open. Visitors can find the Boutonville Oak close to the rear entrance to the reservation. It is a short walk off the north side of the main path. Look for a small wooden sign pointing to the famous tree.