Big Tree Park

Big tree park is a public park located in Longwood, FL. The park is known for its presence of “The Senator” a large bald cypress tree, which is over 3500 years old. It is considered one of the oldest and largest trees in the world. Today, Big Tree Park covers more than 70 acres and it offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.

Early History:

"The Senator" was a remarkable bald cypress tree located in Longwood, Florida, which was estimated to be more than 3,500 years old. The tree's discovery dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, where it was first spotted by early settlers in the area. The tree's size and age immediately drew attention and admiration from the community, making it a beloved landmark in the town. As time went by, the tree was named after a prominent individual in the area, a local senator, adding to its popularity and significance. "The Senator" grew to be more than 125 feet tall, with a trunk circumference of 35 feet, and was considered one of the largest and oldest bald cypress trees in the world. Its impressive size and age made it a unique attraction and a source of pride for Longwood residents. The tree's importance in the community and beyond was further highlighted by its recognition as a cultural and historical landmark. People from all over the world came to see the tree, making it a popular tourist destination. The tree's beauty and significance captured the hearts of many and became a symbol of Longwood's natural beauty and rich history.

Recreational Areas:

As time went by, "The Senator" became an increasingly popular tourist destination and a source of pride for Longwood residents. To accommodate visitors, a recreational area was established around the tree, which eventually became known as "Big Tree Park." The park's highlight was the boardwalk that surrounded the tree, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll and admire the tree's impressive size and beauty up close.The park also served as a venue for various events such as weddings, concerts, and picnics, further cementing its status as a popular community gathering place. The tree's unique characteristics, including its age, size, and historical significance, made it a symbol of Longwood's natural beauty and history, and it was held in high regard by residents and visitors alike.Overall, "The Senator" tree and Big Tree Park were essential to the local community, not only as a tourist attraction but as a cherished symbol of the town's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Recent History:

In January 2012, "The Senator" tree was tragically destroyed in a fire caused by a bush fire. Despite the loss, efforts were made to preserve the legacy of the tree. The state of Florida provided funding to create a new park surrounding the tree's remains, which included a boardwalk and educational exhibits about the history and ecology of bald cypress trees. In 2019, the park officially opened to the public as the Big Tree Park, which featured a tribute to "The Senator" in the form of a monument that contained a slice of the tree's trunk. Visitors could also view the remaining section of the tree, which stood at a height of about 50 feet. The park is now a place for visitors to learn about the importance of preserving natural resources and to appreciate the beauty of Florida's unique ecosystem. The legacy of "The Senator" tree lives on through the discovery of another large cypress tree named "Lady Liberty" and provides hope for the future and the importance of protecting and preserving these ancient trees.

Dunn, Hampton. Florida Boasts World’s Largest Cypress.

Hampton Dunn's article is an informative and descriptive piece that highlights the grandeur of the world's largest cypress tree, located in Florida. He provides fascinating details such as the tree being over 3,500 years old, having enough wood to build 5 houses, and being recognized by the Florida Forest Service as the largest living pond cypress. Dunn also contextualizes the tree's historical significance, noting that it would have been a landmark for the Seminole Indians when they inhabited the area. This source would be useful for showcasing the importance of the tree and its historical significance to the region.

“Death of the Senaor.” American forests 118.1 (2012): 9–. Print..

This source provides a detailed account of the tragedy of the Senator tree and its significance to the world of tree lovers and nature enthusiasts. The article highlights the unique features of the tree, including its age and height, which made it a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike. The author also provides a historical context for the tree, noting that it was designated as a historical landmark by President Coolidge, which added to its significance. The loss of such an important tree is a reminder of the fragility of our natural environment and the need for preservation efforts. The mention of the discovery of another large cypress tree in the park, named "Lady Liberty," provides some hope for the future and the importance of protecting and preserving these ancient trees.

Jacobson, Susan. “Woman Who Burned 'The Senator' Tree Sentenced.” Orlando Sentinal , 5 June 2014.. 

This newspaper article provides a detailed account of the court's decision to sentence the woman who pleaded guilty to burning down the historic Cypress tree known as 'The Senator' in a park in Longwood, Florida. The article also highlights the importance of this tree to the community and the history of Florida, which dated back to the time of the Civil War. The author further explores the impact of this tragic incident on the community, which had grown up seeing this tree on walks in the park and how it had become a symbol of Longwood's history. The article ends on a positive note, reporting that the county has taken steps to replant trees in the park and that some local community members have made art out of the remains of the tree. This article can be used to demonstrate how a single act of negligence can lead to the destruction of a significant landmark and the ripple effect it can have on the community. It also shows how a community can come together in the face of tragedy to preserve its heritage and history.

Seminole County Government. (2022). Big Tree Park Brochure.

This brochure, created by the Seminole County Government, offers a detailed overview of Big Tree Park, which is home to the iconic "Senator" tree in Longwood, Florida. The brochure provides a comprehensive history of the park, including its establishment in the 1930s and subsequent renovation through FDR's New Deal program. It also includes a map of the park and descriptions of its various features and amenities, such as the boardwalk and picnic areas.In addition to providing information about the park, the brochure also offers context on the larger Spring Hammock Preserve, of which the park is a part. It describes the preserve's ecological significance, rare and endangered species, and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and birdwatching. Overall, this brochure serves as a useful guide for visitors to Big Tree Park and offers insight into the history and natural beauty of the Longwood area.

Diamond Legacy America. (n.d.). Big Tree Park - Spring Hammock. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.diamondlegacyamerica.org/big-tree-park-spring-hammock

This website, created by Diamond Legacy America, provides a brief overview of Big Tree Park and Spring Hammock Preserve, located in Longwood, Florida. The webpage offers insight into the history of Big Tree Park, including the significance of the "Senator" tree and its role as a symbol of Longwood's natural beauty and history.The website also provides context on the larger Spring Hammock Preserve and its ecological significance, highlighting the various plant and animal species found in the area. The webpage offers information on the various recreational opportunities available to visitors, such as hiking and birdwatching, and includes a map of the preserve.While the information provided on the website is relatively brief, it serves as a useful starting point for those seeking to learn more about Big Tree Park and Spring Hammock Preserve. The website also includes links to additional resources and information for visitors.