Oldest palm tree in Los Angeles facts for kids
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The oldest palm tree in Los Angeles is a famous landmark in Exposition Park. This amazing tree has lived for over 100 years since it was moved on September 5, 1914. It might even be the palm tree that has been moved the most times in the whole city!
This special tree is a Washingtonia filifera. You can find it on Exposition Park Drive, near Figueroa Street and the West 39th Street intersection.
A Tree's Long Journey
This historic palm tree began its life growing wild in the countryside. In the 1850s, it was dug up and moved for the first time. Its new home was probably on San Pedro Street in downtown Los Angeles.
Moving to the Train Station
In 1889, the tree was chosen for a very important spot. It was moved again to stand right in front of the Arcade Depot. This was the main train station in Los Angeles for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The station was on Alameda Street.
Imagine arriving in Los Angeles by train back then! This tall palm tree was the first thing many visitors saw. It was like a giant welcome sign, showing them they had reached the sunny "promised land" of California after a long trip.
A New Home in Exposition Park
About 25 years later, the Arcade Depot was getting old. The Southern Pacific Railroad decided to move its main operations to a new place called Central Station in 1914. The old Arcade Depot was then taken down.
But the "Arcade Palm," as some called it, got a new chance! It was moved to Exposition Park. Back then, Exposition Park was still being built. It was known as Agricultural Park until 1913.
It's not totally clear if the tree was moved straight to its current spot in 1914, or if it spent some time in other parts of the park first. No matter its exact journey, this incredible tree has grown to be 100 feet tall. Even with a small "dent" on its trunk, perhaps from a past dry spell, it is still very healthy and strong!
