General Grant (tree) facts for kids
The General Grant tree is a super-sized giant sequoia tree. You can find it in the General Grant Grove part of Kings Canyon National Park in California. It's known as the second largest tree in the world!
People once thought this amazing tree was over 2,000 years old. But newer studies suggest it's actually closer to 1,650 years old. The General Grant tree also has the third biggest base of any living giant sequoia. Its base measures about 107.6 ft (32.8 m) around at ground level.
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History of the General Grant Tree
How the Tree Got Its Name
The General Grant tree was named in 1867. It was named after Ulysses S. Grant. He was a famous general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became the 18th President of the United States (from 1869 to 1877).
The Nation's Christmas Tree
On April 28, 1926, President Calvin Coolidge gave the tree a special title. He called it the "Nation's Christmas Tree." Every year, people gather at the tree to celebrate the holidays.
Once the World's Largest Tree
For a long time, people believed the General Grant tree was the biggest tree on Earth. This was mostly because of its huge base. But in 1931, scientists took more exact measurements. They found that the General Sherman tree was actually a little bit larger.
A National Shrine
On March 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the tree a "National Shrine." This means it's a special memorial. It honors all the people who have died in wars. The General Grant tree is the only living thing ever to be given this important title.
Changes in Size Ranking
In September 2003, the General Grant tree moved up in the size rankings. Another giant sequoia, called the Washington tree, was damaged. A lightning strike caused a fire, and it lost its top half. This made the General Grant tree move up one spot in the list of largest giant sequoias.
Measurements of the General Grant Tree
The General Grant tree is truly massive. Here are some of its impressive measurements:
| Measurement | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Height above base | 267.4 ft | 81.5 m |
| Circumference at ground | 107.6 ft | 32.8 m |
| Diameter 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) above ground | 28.9 ft | 8.8 m |
| Diameter 60 feet (18 meters) above base | 16.3 ft | 5.0 m |
| Diameter 180 feet (55 meters) above base | 12.9 ft | 3.9 m |
| Estimated trunk volume | 46,608 cu ft | 1,320 m3 |
Images for kids
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General Grant tree (June 2022)
