Stagg (tree) facts for kids
The Stagg Tree, also known as the Amos Alonzo Stagg Tree, is a super tall and wide giant sequoia tree. You can find it in the Alder Creek Grove in California's amazing Sierra Nevada mountains. It's one of the biggest trees on Earth! In fact, it's the fifth largest tree in the world.
The Stagg Tree has a huge base, measuring about 109 ft (33 m) around. That's like wrapping a rope around it more than 100 feet long! Only one other giant sequoia, the Boole Tree, has a wider base. Experts believe the Stagg Tree is over 3,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living giant sequoias around.
For a long time, the Stagg Tree was on land owned by the Rouch family. This made it the biggest privately owned tree in the world. Even though it was on private land, people could still visit it for free.
The Stagg Tree's Story
The tree got its new name in 1960. It was named after Amos Alonzo Stagg (1862-1965). He was a famous football coach at the University of Chicago. He spent many years coaching in Stockton, which is nearby.
In 1993, a group of climbers went all the way to the top of the tree. They found something amazing! There was a hollow room inside the tree's trunk near the very top.
On September 17, 2019, a group called the Save the Redwoods League made a big announcement. They agreed to buy the Stagg Tree and the land around it from the Rouch family. This deal helped protect the tree and the whole surrounding forest.
After the deal was finished, the League planned to study the forest. They also wanted to help restore the area. Then, they would give the grove to the U.S. Forest Service. This means the Stagg Tree will become part of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. It will be the largest giant sequoia on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
How Big is the Stagg Tree?
A person named L. Day first noticed the tree in 1931. With help from two others, he measured it in 1932. Later, in 1977, Wendell Flint measured it again. He wrote a book called To Find the Biggest Tree. Here are some of the Stagg Tree's measurements:
| Metres | Feet | |
|---|---|---|
| Height above base | 74.1 | 243.0 |
| Circumference at ground | 33.3 | 109.0 |
| Diameter 1.5 m above base | 7.05 | 22.9 |
| Diameter 18 m (60') above base | 5.6 | 18.2 |
| Diameter 55 m (180') above base | 3.8 | 12.5 |
| Estimated bole volume (m³.ft³) | 1,205.0 | 42,557.0 |
