Robert E. Lee (tree) facts for kids
The Robert E. Lee tree is a truly huge giant sequoia tree. It is the second biggest giant sequoia in the General Grant Grove area. This area is part of Kings Canyon National Park. The tree is also the eleventh largest giant sequoia tree known in the entire world.
The Tree's Name and Its History
A man named Richard Field gave the tree its name around 1875. He was a lieutenant from the Confederate States of America. He named the tree to honor Robert E. Lee.
In 2020, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks made some changes. They stopped using the name "Robert E. Lee" in their official park materials. This was done to help everyone feel welcome and included. However, the tree's official name cannot be changed easily. It needs approval from the United States Congress or the National Park Service.
How Big Is the Robert E. Lee Tree?
Experts Wendell Flint and Mike Law measured this giant tree in 1985. They found its total wood volume to be over 40,000 cubic feet. That's a lot of wood!
Here are some of its amazing measurements:
| Measurement | Feet | Metres | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height from the ground | 254.7 | 77.6 m | |
| Distance around the base (circumference) | 88.3 | 26.9 m | |
| Width of the trunk 1.5 meters above the ground | 23.8 | 7.3 m | |
| Estimated volume of the main trunk | 40,102.0 | 1,135.6 m3 |
