Mitchell Monument Shrapnel Tree – Heritage Tree

When a Japanese balloon bomb exploded at this site, Elsie Mitchell and her Sunday school class of five children, out on an early spring fishing outing, were killed. They were the only World War II casualties to occur on the North American continent as a result of enemy action. Standing as a silent witness to the tragedy, this Ponderosa pine still shows signs of shrapnel damage from the explosion and from efforts to remove shrapnel fragments.

A stone monument with a bronze plaque listing the names of the victims is located at the spot where the bomb exploded. Facilities include picnic tables, campfire rings, and one vault toilet. 

Read more about the Monument in the printable brochure. 

Located thirteen miles northeast of Bly on Forest Road 34