No season generates broader enthusiasm, a heightened sense of good will, deeper
traditions, and greater economic benefits than the annual Christmas Season. And so
it is only appropriate that our country’s leaders would develop a way to focus the
nation’s attention, ever so briefly, on a single and most beautiful symbol of the
season – the Capitol Christmas Tree.
Early in December each year, the Speaker of the House hosts a lighting ceremony on
the lawn of the United States Capitol Building and with a simple flip of a switch,
powers the 10,000 lights that illuminate the tree. Hundreds of people who are
fortunate enough to be in D.C. attend the lighting ceremony and many thousands
around the world watch the ceremony on television. Throughout the weeks that
follow, thousands more will find their way to the Capitol to take in the sight of “the
People’s Tree” on the lawn in front of our nation’s capitol building.
Although thousands take great comfort and enjoyment from the tree, few give thought
to where it comes from.
Here’s “the rest of the story”….
Speaker of the House of Representatives John W. McCormack (DMA) began the
tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree in 1964. The first tree was a live Douglas-fir
purchased for $700 from Buddies Nursery in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. Senate
President Pro Tempore Carl Hayden (D-AZ) lit the first tree on December 18, 1964.
The original tree survived through the 1967 celebration by which time wind and root
damage had taken its toll. In both 1968 and 1969, cut trees were assembled by
combining a pair of eastern white pines but this proved cumbersome and ultimately
unsatisfactory. Early in 1970, the Capitol Architect approached the United States
Forest Service for assistance.
Since 1970, it has become an honor for one of our nation’s National Forests to be
asked to provide the Capitol Tree. The appointed National Forest engages help from
diverse partners throughout its respective State to ensure the event is a success not
only for the nation, but also for residents of the hosting state.
The opportunity to provide the Capitol
Christmas Tree – “the People’s Tree” -
becomes a statewide celebration and civic
event, leaving a lasting impression on all
who are fortunate enough to be involved.
traditions, and greater economic benefits than the annual Christmas Season. And so
it is only appropriate that our country’s leaders would develop a way to focus the
nation’s attention, ever so briefly, on a single and most beautiful symbol of the
season – the Capitol Christmas Tree.
Early in December each year, the Speaker of the House hosts a lighting ceremony on
the lawn of the United States Capitol Building and with a simple flip of a switch,
powers the 10,000 lights that illuminate the tree. Hundreds of people who are
fortunate enough to be in D.C. attend the lighting ceremony and many thousands
around the world watch the ceremony on television. Throughout the weeks that
follow, thousands more will find their way to the Capitol to take in the sight of “the
People’s Tree” on the lawn in front of our nation’s capitol building.
Although thousands take great comfort and enjoyment from the tree, few give thought
to where it comes from.
Here’s “the rest of the story”….
Speaker of the House of Representatives John W. McCormack (DMA) began the
tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree in 1964. The first tree was a live Douglas-fir
purchased for $700 from Buddies Nursery in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. Senate
President Pro Tempore Carl Hayden (D-AZ) lit the first tree on December 18, 1964.
The original tree survived through the 1967 celebration by which time wind and root
damage had taken its toll. In both 1968 and 1969, cut trees were assembled by
combining a pair of eastern white pines but this proved cumbersome and ultimately
unsatisfactory. Early in 1970, the Capitol Architect approached the United States
Forest Service for assistance.
Since 1970, it has become an honor for one of our nation’s National Forests to be
asked to provide the Capitol Tree. The appointed National Forest engages help from
diverse partners throughout its respective State to ensure the event is a success not
only for the nation, but also for residents of the hosting state.
The opportunity to provide the Capitol
Christmas Tree – “the People’s Tree” -
becomes a statewide celebration and civic
event, leaving a lasting impression on all
who are fortunate enough to be involved.
| A Brief History of the United States’ Capitol Christmas Tree |
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| CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE HISTORY |
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