The General Grant Tree 3

A unique destination while in King's Canyon was when I visited the General Grant Tree, located specifically in Grant Grove. The measured trunk volume makes it the second largest sequoia tree in the world. Ahead of visiting the tree it was difficult to comprehend the immense size, age and stature of this beautiful beast until I stood at the base of it. An interesting side note about the tree is that President Eisenhower declared the General Grant Tree to be a National Shrine in 1956. He dedicated it "in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served and fought and died to keep this Nation free." It is the only example of a living shrine in the United States.