California’s redwood forests are famous for their towering giants, but among them, one tree stands out not just for its size—but for its story.

Nestled on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains grows one of the most remarkable living organisms on Earth: a giant sequoia affectionately known as “The President.” This magnificent tree is officially recognized as the third-largest tree in the world by volume, and it continues to amaze scientists and nature lovers alike.

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A Giant Among Giants

Though not the tallest tree in the world, “The President” still reaches an awe-inspiring height of 247 feet (75 meters)—that’s nearly as tall as a 25-story building. What truly sets this tree apart, however, is its volume: an estimated 45,000 cubic feet (1,278 cubic meters) of wood. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the same volume as 127,800 one-liter milk cartons.

Despite its age and mass, the tree remains vibrant and full of life. Its massive branches are covered in thick, reddish bark and clusters of evergreen needles that seem to stretch endlessly toward the sky.

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An Ancient Living Monument

Perhaps the most astonishing fact about "The President" is its age. Scientists estimate that this sequoia is around 3,200 years old. That means it started growing around 1,200 years before the fall of the Roman Empire, long before modern civilization as we know it.

In 1923, the tree was named “The President” in honor of then-U.S. President Warren G. Harding. Since then, it has become not just a natural wonder, but a symbol of endurance, history, and the power of nature.

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Still Growing Strong

What’s even more incredible is that “The President” is still growing. Each year, this ancient tree adds about one cubic meter of wood to its massive trunk and limbs. For a tree that’s already been alive for over three millennia, that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

This steady growth in old age is rare in the natural world and shows just how resilient and adaptable giant sequoias are—especially when left undisturbed in their natural environment.

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A Challenge to Capture

Despite its fame, no one had ever managed to photograph “The President” in a single image—until a dedicated team from National Geographic took on the challenge.

Using ropes, climbing gear, and sophisticated rigging techniques, the team carefully scaled the tree and spent 32 days capturing 126 individual photographs from top to bottom. These images were then stitched together to create one incredible, seamless portrait of the tree in all its glory.

The final image is breathtaking—a visual reminder of nature’s scale and grandeur. You can watch a video of how the team achieved this amazing feat [here].

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A Symbol of Conservation

More than just a tree, “The President” is a living reminder of why preserving our natural world is so important. Trees like this have stood for thousands of years, surviving fires, storms, and the passage of time. They are guardians of the past and stewards of the future.

We must do everything we can to ensure these ancient giants continue to thrive for generations to come. With the effects of climate change and deforestation threatening ecosystems worldwide, trees like “The President” serve as both a warning and an inspiration.

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A Legacy Worth Protecting

Standing beneath “The President,” it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. This tree has weathered more than 100 generations of human history—and it's still reaching skyward.

Let’s hope it continues to do so for another 3,000 years or more. If you believe in protecting our forests and preserving the planet for future generations, share this story and spread the wonder of “The President” far and wide.