Fun fact: The General Grant Tree in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is officially designated as the Nation’s Christmas Tree and has been since 1926, thanks to President Calvin Coolidge.
The 268-foot tall giant sequoia is among the largest and oldest in the world. Every year, there’s an annual “Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree” in which visitors walk to the General Grant Tree. The next one, in 2025, will be the 100th annual event, so start your planning now!
Back in 1925, a young girl exclaimed, “What a wonderful Christmas tree it would be!” while in the presence of two influential men in the Sanger Chamber of Commerce. They decided she was right, and made a tradition of it!
“We are gathered here around a tree that is worthy of representing the spirit of America on Christmas Day,” said Col. John White, longtime Park Superintendent, at one of the earliest events. “That spirit is best expressed in the plain things of life, the love of the family circle, the simple life of the out-of-doors.”
