midnight, August, 1856
As long as American students shall study the history of their country , will `` The Charter Oak '' be famous . That same night Charles Stevens , fearing the wrath of Governor Andros , set out for his home at Salem . The tree in which the document was hidden was ever afterward known as the `` Charter Oak . '' It remained vigorous , bearing fruit every year until a little after midnight , August , 1856 , when it was prostrated by a heavy storm of wind . It stood in a vacant lot on the south side of Charter Street , a few rods from Main Street , in the city of Hartford . When , in 1687 , Andros demanded the surrender of the colonial charters , the inhabitants of Rhode Island instantly yielded . When the order for the seizure of the charters was first made known , the assembly of Rhode Island sent a most loyal address to the king saying : `` We humbly prostrate ourselves , our privileges , our all , at the gracious feet of your majesty , with an entire resolution to serve you with faithful hearts . ''