Exhibition tree

Exhibition trees are monarch specimens of Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) harvested from California's Sierra Nevada Mountains and displayed at international expositions, world's fairs, and botanical gardens during the late 19th century.^[1] Renowned for their immense size and age, these trees fascinated 19th-century audiences and played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the need for conservation.^[1]

In 1853, the first giant sequoia, the Discovery Tree in Calaveras Grove, was felled specifically for exhibition two years after the species was first discovered. Sections of this giant sequoia, along with other trees felled in the following years, were shipped to exhibitions in Europe and the U.S., where they became popular attractions. Visitors could view cross-sections or walk through reassembled trunks indoors, marveling at the scale of these ancient giants.

Many attendees, unable to comprehend the immense size of exhibition trees, dismissed them as hoaxes.^[2] Early displays of giant sequoias, which relied on hand-drawn illustrations and descriptions before photography became widespread, often fueled skepticism that the exhibits were fabricated from multiple trees.^[3]

Public interest in giant sequoia exhibitions had a paradoxical effect—it fueled both their destruction and preservation. Fascination with the trees led to their felling for displays, but the public outrage that followed, along with efforts by conservationists like John Muir, the Sierra Club, and Save the Redwoods League, drove the creation of protected areas like Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park. These parks were critical in protecting the remaining groves and promoting sustainable practices to ensure their survival for future generations.^[1][4]