The Senator
The Senator, located in Florida, is the largest bald cypress tree in the United States, and it is widely considered the oldest of its species known to exist. It is likely the largest U.S. tree of any species east of the Mississippi River. Estimated to be around 3,500 years old, the Senator was used as a landmark for the Seminole indians and other native tribes. The Senator's size is particularly impressive because it has endured many hurricanes, including one in 1925 which reduced its height by 40 feet.
The tree gets its name from from Sen. M.O. Overstreet, who donated the tree and surrounding land in 1927.
Update 1.17.12: It is with a heavy heart that we report that 'The Senator' has burned to the ground.
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Comments
Very sad...& yes hopefully the roots are fine & it may grow again, but sadly it won't be what it used to be. Here is the culprit in case you were wondering.
http://blogs.ajc.com/news-to-me/2012/02/29/meth-user-burns-5th-oldest-tr...
DON'T DO DRUGS!
Just days after CNN featured this article on it's website, "The Senator" in Florida burned to the ground! Anjan Ganguly's words were unfortunately prophetic. It's just one more reason to be disgusted with humanity. RIP "Senator."
I Believe they should leave the tree alone and see if any sprouts or shoots come op from the trunk. the tree itself may be gone, but the roots may still be thriving.
"The Senator" a 3,500 year old cypress. in Longwood Fl unfortunatly perished this morning due to an arsonist. what were they trying to prove? It's such a shame. I loved to visit that tree. It was a spiritual place. the seminol indians used the tree as a landmark back in the day. The senator's sister tree "Lady liberty" still stands. I'm trying not to be negative about this as I am sad and angry that our special tree was a victim of a heinous act. I'd like to think He gave up his life so.... More
Anne, check your news again. The updated information is that, while the origin of the fire is still undetermined, arson has been ruled out. I understand your sense of loss. My wife and I have never been to see the tree. In fact, we were just driving by the area on Saturday and talked about heading over to see it, then decided we could do it another day. I guess we missed our chance.
Really? Then the arson charges on this lame excuse for a human, Sarah Barnes, are all trumped up, huh?
FYI, a meth head caused the tree to burn down by setting a fire in the tree, and failed to properly extinguish the fire. Obviously, they should have never started the fire in the first place but they're not meth-heads for nothing!
Is the guy on the left flipping the camera off? Ha ha! How did you miss that editor?! :)
he is not, that is a number one sign.....
That would be the guy on the right....
Yes the guy on the right is placing a number one gesture. The guy on the left is got his hands and arms wide open..no bird flippin', A bigger picture is posted in Wikipedia...
Trees are just about the most amazing and beautiful aspect of nature.
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