ladygolem:

historical-nonfiction:

A giant sequoia was enjoying a peaceful, anonymous existence as a tree until 1879 when an annoying naturalist named James Wolverton happened upon it, and decided to give the tree a name. Wolverton chose “General Sherman” after the American Civil War general he had once served under.

In 1931, the General Sherman was named the oldest and largest tree in the world. At about 2,300 to 2,700 years old, it’s definitely been here a long time! And with a base circumference of 103 feet, the sequoia is undeniably large. Thanks to modern technology, an even older tree has been identified in Sweden and taken that title. But the General Sherman remains the world’s largest single-trunk tree, by volume. And you can visit it!