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| Author's Personal Collection |
“Another stately tree bears
the name of our dead hero, General Grant, a fitting monument to one whose name
is revered by all. For about a hundred feet not a knot or twig breaks the
perfectly-[symmetrical] line; then an arm shoots out, apparently holding
another branch which is itself as large as a good size tree.”
The General Grant Tree was one of the most noted by visitors to Big Trees Grove. This impressive monarch of the forest was named for the Civil War hero and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant in 1879. The more famous and earlier named General Grant Tree (1867) is the giant sequoia located within Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks.
The General Grant Tree was one of the most noted by visitors to Big Trees Grove. This impressive monarch of the forest was named for the Civil War hero and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant in 1879. The more famous and earlier named General Grant Tree (1867) is the giant sequoia located within Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks.
Though the General Grant Tree in the Sierras is a magnificent, towering example
of a giant sequoia perhaps Grant’s redwood namesake in the Santa Cruz Mountains
is more appropriate, historically speaking. The upper branches of the General
Grant Tree at Big Trees Grove are knarled and twisted, perhaps a nod to Grant’s
drinking reputation and later corrupt presidential administration.
Note:
Ulysses S. Grant served as president from 1869 to 1877. The portion of Sequoia-Kings
Canyon National Parks where the first named General Grant Tree is located was originally
known as General Grant National Park which was created in 1890.
Source: "Yosemite - A Pen Picture of Its Wonderful Beauties - The Big Trees - Their Remarkable Size and Age," by M.R. Abbott, Wichita, Eagle [Kansas], May 6, 1888.
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