Famous Shawshank Redemption Tree Near Mansfield Knocked Over By Wind

By Cleveland Plain Dealer/ Cleveland.com

The famous Shawshank tree, a symbol of hope and a popular pilgrimage site for fans of “The Shawshank Redemption,” was knocked down by high winds Friday afternoon.

Jodie Snavely, group tour manager for the Mansfield and Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, went out to see the downed tree for herself, after her office got a call from a man who said he saw the historic oak fall.

“Sure enough it was down,” she said. “People are going to be heartbroken. It’s extremely sad.” The tree, which Snavely said could be as many as 200 years old, is an iconic symbol in the 1994 film. It’s where Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), wrongly accused of murder, buries the directions that help guide friend and former prison-mate Red (Morgan Freeman) to his new home.

Read the Full Article: http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2016/07/famous_shawshank_redemption_tr.html