Good-Bye to “The Senator”
Mr. Castanzo - Team Blue Block 2
Good-Bye to “The Senator”
Florida’s most famous tree was a bald cypress that grew to be 118 feet tall, about as high as a 12-story building. But its height was nothing compared with its age. At about 3,500 years old, it was one of the world’s oldest trees. It began growing roughly around the time King Tut ruled Egypt.
Having survived hurricanes, droughts, and lightning storms, it seemed indestructible. But on Monday, Florida residents were shocked and saddened to learn that the famous landmark had caught fire and collapsed. All that remained of its long history was a 30-foot piece of split wood attached to its trunk.
The tree, officially named “The Senator,” resided in Big Tree Park, just north of Orlando. Its name honors M.O. Overstreet, a Florida state Senator from 1920 to 1925, who donated the land where the tree stood.
Firefighters aren’t sure what caused the fire that destroyed The Senator. It was the only tree in the park to catch fire. Investigators say it’s unlikely that someone deliberately set the tree on fire, but the investigation is still ongoing. One theory is that the tree was struck by lightning—possibly as long as two weeks ago. This might have caused the tree to slowly burn on the inside.
Although firefighters were unable to save The Senator, they did protect a nearby cypress named Lady Liberty. At about 2,000 years old and 89 feet tall, it is now the oldest and tallest tree in the park.
- Posted on January 29, 2012
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Wow, i can't imagine how a tree can last that long. The Senator is also a really big tree to have lasted when King Tut was around.
I think Senator was the biggest tree ever.The Senator was amazing and famous.The Senator was on fire and it knocked down from the inside out.
It is amazing that a tree could stay standing for such a long time. The incredible 3,500 years "The Senator" stood is unbelievable. Imagine the people who have seen this tree. It is unfortunate that this tree was destroyed by a fire however there is no doubt "The Senator" had its time.
I think it is cool that "The Senator" has been around since King Tut ruled Egypt. It is also sad that the 118 ft tall tree collapsed.
I can't belive that the Senator was cut down because it's been so long. The tree has been through droughts,hurricanes,and lighting storms but it didn't survive a fire. It's been around for years since king Tut was king of Egypt. ( about 3,500 years.)To me that is cool that the tree lived for so long.
I feel like crying because "The Senator" did not have to catch fire and collapse. “The Senator” was more that 3,500 years old. This is such a tragedy. Rest in peace "The Senator".
That is so crazy that there was a tree that lived since King Tut ruled Egypt. How can a tree that old live through hurricanes, droughts, and lightning storms? This park must be very famous because all of these ancient trees. I wish I could have seen " The Senator " before it died.
I am also wondering who or what caused the fire to light "The Senator" on fire. It is really messed up though. It was the tallest thing I have ever heard of. I hope another tree will grow up to be a great, even better tree than "The Senator'. I like that it was that tall and everything, but everything happens for a reason I guess.
In Florida there is a very famous tree. It has been growing roughly around the time King Tut ruled Egypt. I am sorry that the tree got replaced with another tree.
I think it will be sad if someone set the tree on fire purposely. The tree lived a long time but, I think the tree could have lived longer. Also I hope the police figure out the cause of the fire.