Nevada Bicentennial Tree
From Carsonpedia
The Nevada Bicentennial Tree is a huge cottonwood tree in Carson City, at the corner of Washington and Division Streets. It is generally regarded to have been planted by Aaron Treadway in the 1860s, as part of his Treadway's Park ranch and resort. It's possible, though, that the tree predates white settlement of the valley, having been seeded naturally and fed by a nearby spring or creek. The trunk is eight feet thick, and the tree stands at least 70 or 80 feet high.
The tree has been called a Fremont Cottonwood (Populus Fremontii). Local legends claim that John C. Fremont either spotted or camped out under this tree while exploring western Nevada in 1844, but this is very unlikely. Mostly because Fremont never even entered the Eagle Valley during his travels!
The Virginia and Truckee Railroad tracks passed right next to the tree for nearly 80 years. From 1872 to 1950 the tracks traveled down Washington Street on their way to Reno.
During America's Bicentennial celebration in 1976, this tree was designated the Nevada Bicentennial Tree and marked with a plaque. The true age of the tree is thought to be 125-150 years.
[edit] External Links
- Historical Myth a Month #51: Going Out On A Limb - "Carson City's Oldest Tree"
