Tahoe City in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Tahoe City’s “Big Tree”
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010
1. Tahoe City’s “Big Tree” Marker
In 1940 the Federated Women’s Club literally joined hands around the tree when the California Division of Highways’ road improvement plan threatened to fell it. Their protests won the right to preserve the “Big Tree” in perpetuity.
The Tahoe City Rotary Club’s annual Christmas tradition of decorating the “Big Tree” with lights began in 1947. Each year Santa handed out presents to local [inscription appears to be left off of marker, as wording just ends].
The health of the “Big Tree” declined over the years as blacktop pavement encroached under its drip-line and drivers accidentally ran into it. In 1994 the decision was made to cut down the dying tree.
Today, a part of the “Big Tree” lives on for all to enjoy in the form of a wooden public sculpture commissioned by the Tahoe City Rotary Club and carved by artist Randy Oertle.
Erected 2008 by Rotary Club of Tahoe City.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Tahoe City (here, next to this marker); Tahoe City (here, next to this marker); Tahoe City Begins, 1860 to 1895 (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Tourism, 1896 to 1926 (a few steps from this marker); Southern Pacific, 1926 to 1945 (a few steps from this marker); Post War, 1946 to 1955 (a few steps from this marker); Olympic Silver, 1956 to 1971 (a few steps from this marker); The Watson Cabin (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tahoe City.
Additional commentary.
1. Part of the Original Tree
I was visiting Tahoe City when they where doing the "Big Tree” Sculpture and the artist gave me some pieces of the tree which I took home intending on making something for rememberance. The wood is still in my basement.
— Submitted August 20, 2012, by Al Mueller 
of Jefferson City, Missouri.
Photographed By Syd Whittle
2. Early Tahoe City Marker
The closest marker is the "Tahoe City's 'Big Tree'" marker, the center marker is "Tahoe City" and the far right marker is the "Early Tahoe City" marker.
Photographed By Syd Whittle
3. Photos Displayed on Marker
Photo on left:
Big Tree, 1940 - C.W. Vernon Photo, L.V. Farr Collection.
Center Photo:
Big Tree with lights, 1949 - C.W. Vernon Photo, L.V. Farr Collection.
Top Photo:
Big Tree, 1960 - Briner Photo
Big Tree, 1940 - C.W. Vernon Photo, L.V. Farr Collection.
Center Photo:
Big Tree with lights, 1949 - C.W. Vernon Photo, L.V. Farr Collection.
Top Photo:
Big Tree, 1960 - Briner Photo
Photographed By Denise Boose, August 6, 2009
4. Tahoe City’s “Big Tree” Scultpure
Photographed By Denise Boose, August 6, 2009
5. Tahoe City’s “Big Tree”
The Big Tree
For over a hundred years,
the heart of Tahoe City was marked by the
magnificent "Big Tree" in the center of the road.
After its passing in 1994, a section of
the tree was preserved and this
sculpture was commissioned.
We are thankful to all the fiends
whose generosity helped
memorialize the Big Tree and
Tahoe City's natural history,
Photographed By Denise Boose, August 6, 2009
6. Tahoe City’s “Big Tree” Sculpture
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,547 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 17, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 20, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.
