The Fallen Monarch

The Fallen Monarch, a Giant Sequoia log with high tannin content that resists fungi, bacteria, insects, and other decay organisms, has decayed very slowly and remained largely unchanged for well over 100 years. Its hollow may have been formed by fire before or after it fell, and in the forest it has provided food, footing, fertility, and shelter for millions of smaller, less durable life forms. Bears and other creatures most likely used it for shelter, and Indians who came to the high country in summertime likely used hollow trees there as well. Homesteaders Thomas and Isreal Gamlin used the log as a house and a saloon for visitors, the U.S. Cavalry used it as a stable for horses, and after the grove was set aside as General Grant National Park in 1890, it was used for a time as an employee camp while daily visitors to the Big Trees were served meals and liquid refreshment there.

California · United States