Santa Cruz

The Big Trees of California

"As you have seen n the papers the First Squadron went from Monterey to Santa Cruz and we have been shown a fine time while here and had a chance to see the big trees of Cal.  Was ashore yesterday."

 "They ran free excursions out to the grove all day, it being six miles distant from the city.  it was a beautiful ride out to the trees andus up grade all the way until you reach an elevation of about three-hundred feet where the grove is located.  It being on the Southern Pacific, the ride taking you through a canyon down which the San Lorenzo River runs and dashes.  Saw people fishing several hundred feet below."  

Jumbo

"They have the biggest grove of trees fenced in and civilians are charged a quarter to enter this enclosure, we were admitted free here also.  The largest tree is named Jumbo and is thirty feet in diameter.  There are others almost as large.  "

Big Tree Station

 "Under the roots of one of the giants which had been burned by the fire, fifty five sailors were placed and then there was room for a few more.  It was at this grove that General Freemont wintered while he was out here on his Indian expedition, and I saw the tree that he cut down and hollowed out inorder to make a vat where he could tan his leather to fix his harness.