Filming Location
The Shawshank Tree

Red discovers an oak tree in a hayfield where he unearths a hidden metal box, revealing Andy’s letter and money. The filming took place in the United States, near Mansfield, Ohio, in the broader area of the Midwest. Readers eager for specifics about this cinematic locale can utilize the map pin icon for exact coordinates or keep on reading.

“Dear Red. If you’re reading this, you’ve gotten out. And if you’ve come this far, maybe you’re willing to come a little further. You remember the name of the town, don’t you? I could use a good man to help me get my project on wheels. I’ll keep an eye out for you and the chessboard ready. Remember, Red. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I will be hoping that this letter finds you, and finds you well. Your friend. Andy.”

Andy Dufresne

Where was The Shawshank Tree scene filmed?

The scene where Red portrayed by Morgan Freeman unearths a metal box from beneath an oak tree was filmed at a hayfield belonging to Malabar Farm State Park in Mansfield, Ohio, Midwest, United States. Though the tree was completely felled by a storm and the stone wall was dismantled, the field where they once stood is still visible from the street, and the surrounding area remains beautiful and worth a visit.

More about the Shawshank Tree and Malabar Farm

Malabar Farm State Park, situated in Richland County, Ohio, boasts a rich history rooted in the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield. Established in 1939, the farm once spanned over 1000 acres. It became a national model for sustainable agriculture, with Bromfield introducing innovative farming techniques. The farm attracted numerous celebrities; a notable event was the wedding of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in 1945. Moreover, the farm was home to various points of interest, like the Malabar Farm Inn, Pugh Cabin, and the infamous Ceely Rose House, linked to a tragic triple murder in 1896.

On one of this farm’s hayfields stood the iconic Shawshank Tree, a majestic white oak that played a pivotal role in the 1994 film “The Shawshank Redemption.” Located near Malabar Farm State Park in Monroe Township, this tree was more than 180 years old and stood as a major tourist attraction. It was part of “The Shawshank Trail,” drawing thousands of fans annually. Tragically, lightning split the tree in 2011, and strong winds eventually knocked it down in 2016. The remains were repurposed into Shawshank-themed merchandise. This tree is renowned for its cinematic role when Morgan Freeman’s character, Red, discovers a letter and money from Andy Dufresne, marking it as one of the most iconic trees in film history.

Scenes filmed at the Malabar Farm

Red finds Andy’s Message beneath the Oak Tree
Red (Morgan Freeman) disembarks from a bus in Buxton, following Andy’s (Tim Robbins) instructions. He heads to a vast hayfield, where he finds a prominent oak tree. Along a stone wall, he identifies a dark stone, contrasting with its surroundings. Removing the stone, he digs beneath the tree and discovers a metal box. Inside the box is money and a letter from Andy, guiding Red on where to find him.