Chico in Butte County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hooker Oak
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 8, 2010
1. Hooker Oak Marker
The Oak was named by Annie Bidwell in 1887.
The massive and majestic Hooker Oak, which occupied this site, was named in honor of renowned British Botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. The Hooker Oak was acclaimed to be the largest Valley Oak in the world before it fell on May 1, 1977.Height 105 Feet
Perimeter 481 Feet
Longest Limb 112 Feet
Trunk Circumference 28 Feet
Area Under The Tree 18,000 Sq. Feet
Preservation of the Hooker Oak Tree Stump, the Children’s Play Area and the Bidwell Park Guide Map are in memory of
1953 ̶ Chico Fire Chief ̶ 1977
1986-1987 Chico Rotary Club Project
Erected 1987 by Chico Rotary Club. (Marker Number 313.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the Historic Trees, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1769.
Location. 39° 45.591′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chico Elks Lodge No. 423 Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Chico Forestry Station and Nursery (approx. 1.2 miles away); United States Submarine Crews Memorial (approx. 2˝ miles away); Chico Cemetery G.A.R. Monument (approx. 2.7 miles away); General John and Annie K. Bidwell Gravesite (approx. 2.7 miles away); Rancho Del Arroyo Chico (approx. 3.1 miles away); The Life and Times of John Bidwell (approx. 3.1 miles away); The Historic Home of Annie and John Bidwell (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chico.
More about this marker. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.313 on July 12, 1939.
Statement of Significance:
In 1887 Annie E. K. Bidwell named this huge oak after English botanist Sir Joseph Hooker. When it fell during a windstorm in 1977, it was estimated to be over a thousand years old - it was nearly a hundred feet tall and 29 feet in circumference eight feet from the ground. The largest branch measured 111 feet from trunk to tip - circumference of outside branches was nearly five hundred feet.
Also see . . . The Hooker Oak. Wikipedia Article with information and additional photos. (Submitted on April 10, 2010.)
Photographed By Julian Parel, circa 1952
2. Sir Joseph Hooker Oak
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 8, 2010
3. Hooker Oak Marker
The oak stump can be seen at the circle walkway above the marker in this photo.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 8, 2010
4. Hooker Oak Stump and Plaque
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 8, 2010
5. Plaque Located at the Foot of the Oak Stump
Named in 1887 by
Annie E. K. Bidwell
In honor of
Sir Joseph Hooker
Presented by the
Chico Horticultural Society
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 8, 2010
6. Hooker Oak Stump
Photographed By Mike Roberts Studios, Berkeley, Ca., circa 1950's
7. Hooker Oak
Postcard description reads:
Hooker Oak,
Chico, California
This huge oak stands in Bidwell Park and was named for the eminent botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker. The height is 110 feet, circumference of trunk, 28 feet and the branches spread 150 feet.
Chico, California
H.S. Crocker Co.,Inc.-S.F., Ca, Published by Eastman's Studio, Susanville, Ca.
8. Sir Joseph Hooker Oak
Postcard description reads:
This historic old giant is estimated to be 1000 years old, is 98 feet high, 28 feet in circumference and has a spread of 153 feet. It is located in beautiful Bidwell Park at Chico, California.
This historic old giant is estimated to be 1000 years old, is 98 feet high, 28 feet in circumference and has a spread of 153 feet. It is located in beautiful Bidwell Park at Chico, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,584 times since then and 229 times this year. Last updated on December 21, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on April 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on January 12, 2015, by Marylyn Parel of Los Angeles, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
