A historical photograph from 1866 of a section of the original Big Tree at Mammoth Grove, Calaveras County. This image shows visitors examining the massive sequoia trunk, highlighting its immense size. The tree, discovered by contract hunter Augustus P. Dowd in 1852, was the first giant sequoia to come to the attention of white Americans. Although Zenas Leonard described what are thought to be Big Trees in his 1839 Narrative, the discovery of this tree is considered the official discovery of the giant sequoia.
The tree was cut down in 1853 by five men under the command of Captain Hanford, using only mining augers, taking about 21 days. A portion of the tree was transported to New York for exhibit, much to the envy of P.T. Barnum, who sought his own Big Tree but had to settle for a coast redwood. After serving briefly as a dance floor, the stump had a domed building built over it, called the Pavilion, with a small section of the trunk remaining next to it.
This photograph provides a glimpse into the early fascination with and exploitation of these natural giants, which are a significant part of California's natural heritage.
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