Big Tree Park

Located in Seminole County, Florida, and surronded by a developing community, Big Tree Park is a nice refreshing retreat into nature. Although the primary attraction is the huge Senator Cypress tree, the park has a nice picnic area and play ground for the children. Definetly one of Florida's gems and a must visit location if you should find yourself in the central part of the state.

The Senator

The Senator is one of the oldest and largest cypress trees in America. The Seminole Indians, and other Native American Indians who lived throughout Central Florida used this tree as a land mark. A hurricane in 1925 destroyed the top of the tree, reducing it's original height of 165 ft. to its present 118 feet.

In the late 1800's, the Senator attracted visitors even though much of the land around the tree was swamp and reaching the tree was done by leaping from log to log. A walkway was later constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

In 1929 former President Calvin Coolidge visited the Senator and dedicated the site with a commemorative bronze plaque. The plaque and portions of an iron fence were by vandals in 1945 and never recovered.

In 1927, Senator M.O. Overstreet donated the tree and surrounding land for a park to Seminole County.

Age and Dimensions estimated by the American Forestry Association in 1993
Age: 3500 years
Diameter: 17.5 feet.
Circumference: 425 inch
Height: 118 feet
Board feet: Approximately 50,000
Flowers: Purple blossoms in early spring
Foliage: Green needlelike or fern-like leaves
Cones: Spherical 11" diameter
Wood: Tan color, very durable
Cable: for conduction lighting

Lady Liberty

Located 40 feet from the Senator, Lady Liberty is often referred to as the companion tree or the sister tree. Named by students from the Geneva Elementary School in 2005, Lady Liberty stands as a symbol of our patriotism.

Estimated Age: 2,000 years
Diameter: 10 feet
Circumference: 589 inch
Height: 89 feet