Lone Cypress

History

Early history

The tree is believed to have been seeded circa 1750 in what was then the Spanish colony of New Spain. However, due to the invasive nature of traditional dendrochronology, the precise age of the tree is unknown and can only be inferred.

Over the centuries the tree has been weathered by the wind and salt spray coming off the Pacific Ocean, gradually altering its appearance. The earliest known depictions of the tree's likeness in paintings and photographs date to the 1880s, which shows the tree with a lush dome-shaped canopy.

20th century

In 1941, a stone retaining wall was constructed around the base of the tree to protect its roots from erosion.

In 1948, a series of cables were installed to help support the tree.

In 1969, the tree was fenced off to the public in order to protect its roots from being damaged from trampling.

In 1984, an unknown arsonist attempted to set fire to the tree. The tree survived with only minor fire scarring.

21st century

On February 16, 2019, the tree lost one of its limbs during a severe weather event known as a Pineapple Express. This dramatically altered its appearance.

Future

The future longevity of the tree is unknown. The longest-lived Monterey cypress based on physical evidence lived to only 284 years old.