
THE “BIG TREE’’ OF CALIFORNIA 
On the west wall of Darwin Hall are sections of the coast redwood and Big Tree of California. The tags 
on the latter indicate historical events that occurred during the life of the tree. [See Guide Leaflet No. 8] 
This individual Big Tree which was 300 feet high grew for 1341 years, from 550 to 1891, when it was cut and 
brought to the Museum. It was nearly a thousand years old when Columbus came to America and more than a 
thousand when Harvey discovered the circulation of the blood 
This largest, oldest, most majestic tree in the world exists only in ten small forests — groves they should 
almost be called — on the western slope of the Sierras. The trees are in large part under government control, 
sO may continue to live through several generations of men 33 
