Tharp's Log facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tharp's Log
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| Nearest city | Three Rivers, California |
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| Built | 1861 |
| Architect | Hale Tharp |
| Architectural style | Log cabin |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000117 |
| Added to NRHP | March 8, 1977 |
Tharp's Log is a very special giant sequoia tree log found in Sequoia National Park. It's not just any log; it's a huge, hollowed-out tree trunk that early explorers and settlers used as a cozy shelter! This famous log is named after Hale D. Tharp, who was one of the first non-Native American people to explore the amazing Giant Forest area.
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What is Tharp's Log?
Tharp's Log is a giant sequoia tree that fell down a long time ago. It's located in a beautiful spot called Log Meadow, which is part of the Giant Forest grove inside Sequoia National Park. The log is mostly hollow inside, making it a perfect natural shelter.
A Home in a Tree
Imagine living inside a tree! This log is about 70 feet long, and fire naturally hollowed out about 55 feet of it. At the wider end, there's even a fireplace, a door, and a window. A small extra room, covered with wooden shakes, was added to make it even more like a cabin. It was a simple but clever way for pioneers to live in the wilderness.
Who Was Hale Tharp?
The log is named after Hale D. Tharp, an important figure in the history of the Giant Forest. He arrived in California in 1852, looking for gold near Placerville. However, he soon decided to become a cattle rancher instead of a miner.
Exploring the Mountains
In 1856, Tharp moved closer to the Kaweah River. With help from guides from the local Potwisha people, he began exploring the tall mountains nearby. He returned in 1860 with his two sons. They even climbed Moro Rock and set up camp near Crescent Meadows.
Settling in Giant Forest
It wasn't until 1869 that Tharp brought his cattle herd into the amazing Giant Forest area. He set up a small ranch there for the summer months. This is when he started using the fallen giant sequoia log as his cabin.
A "Noble Den"
The famous naturalist John Muir visited Tharp's Log. He was very impressed by it and called it a "noble den." This shows how special and unique Tharp's Log was, even to someone who spent so much time in nature.
