You’ve probably heard the story, or at least the tragic part of it. A 3,500-year-old tree, a landmark that stood while the Pyramids were being built, goes up in smoke because of a bad decision and a lighter. That was The Senator. And for a while, people thought Big Tree Park Longwood FL was basically over.
Honestly? They were wrong.
While the loss of the world's fifth-oldest cypress was a massive blow to Florida’s natural history, the park didn't just become a graveyard for a stump. It’s actually thriving. If you head out there today, you aren't just looking at charred remains; you’re standing in a "living museum" that feels remarkably prehistoric. It’s a weird, quiet pocket of ancient swamp tucked right behind a suburban neighborhood.
The Tragedy of The Senator and What’s Left
Most folks visit Big Tree Park to pay respects to The Senator. It's human nature to want to see the "biggest" or "oldest," even if it’s gone. Back in its prime, this bald cypress was 165 feet tall before a hurricane snapped its top in 1925, leaving it at about 118 to 125 feet.
Then came January 16, 2012.
A 26-year-old woman climbed inside the hollow trunk to use drugs and lit a fire to see what she was doing. The tree acted like a giant chimney. It burned from the inside out for hours. By the time firefighters arrived, the "National Historic Monument" was a pile of ash and a jagged, 20-foot charred skeleton.
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Walking the boardwalk today, you’ll see that stump. It’s fenced off, looking a bit like a lonely monument. It’s smaller than you’d expect until you realize the circumference was 35 feet. That’s a lot of wood. Local artists like Bob Hughes and Jeffrey Matter actually took some of the salvaged, charred wood and turned it into sculptures and even a high-end chess set to keep the memory alive.
Why Lady Liberty is the Real Star Now
Here is the thing: everyone focuses on the dead tree, but Lady Liberty is standing right there, just 40 feet away.
She’s no participation trophy. Lady Liberty is a bald cypress estimated to be roughly 2,000 years old. To put that in perspective, this tree was a sapling when the Roman Empire was at its peak. It’s 82 feet tall with a trunk circumference of nearly 400 inches.
"One of its branches is angled like the uplifted arm of the Statue of Liberty."
That’s how she got her name back in 2005 through a local school contest. Before that, everyone just called her "The Companion" because she lived in The Senator’s shadow. Now, she’s the main event. Seeing her in person is a reminder that while one giant fell, the lineage of this swamp is still very much alive.
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The Phoenix: A Clone with a Future
If you’re walking the boardwalk, keep an eye out for a much smaller tree called The Phoenix.
It’s not some random replacement. It’s a literal clone of The Senator. Back in the 90s, scientists from the University of Florida took cuttings from the original giant. After the fire, they brought one of those "babies" back home. It’s currently over 40 feet tall and growing fast.
Basically, we’re watching a 3,500-year-old organism get a second chance.
Practical Info for Your Visit
Big Tree Park isn't a massive hiking destination where you’ll get lost for hours. It’s small. Focused.
- Location: 761 General Hutchinson Parkway, Longwood, FL.
- Cost: Absolutely free.
- Hours: 8:00 AM to dusk (usually around 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM depending on the season).
- Amenities: There are restrooms, a small playground (with a cool hollowed-out "log" for kids), and a few picnic tables.
The boardwalk itself is short—less than half a mile round trip. It’s fully accessible, so you can bring a stroller or a wheelchair without any drama. It connects directly to the Cross Seminole Trail, so if you’re a cyclist or a long-distance walker, the park serves as a perfect trailhead.
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What to Actually Do There
Don't just walk to the end, look at the stump, and leave. That’s what most people do, and they miss the vibe.
Stop midway on the boardwalk. Look down into the hydric hammock swamp. This is what Florida looked like before the drainage canals and the condos. You’ll see massive tulip poplars—some of the southernmost in the U.S.—and if you’re quiet, you’ll spot barred owls or wood peckers.
The air is noticeably cooler under the canopy. It’s a literal breather from the Florida heat.
A Few Insider Tips
- Photography: Go early. The light hitting the cypress knees through the morning mist is incredible.
- Safety: It’s an urban park, but it’s still a swamp. Stay on the boardwalk. Seriously. Alligators and snakes don't care about your Instagram photos.
- Connectivity: Use the park as a jumping-off point for the Spring Hammock Preserve trails if you want a "real" hike.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to visit Big Tree Park, here is your game plan:
- Check the Weather: If it rained recently, the mosquitoes in the swamp will be fierce. Bring spray.
- Combine the Trip: Since the boardwalk is short, plan to spend 30 minutes at the trees and then hit the Cross Seminole Trail for a 2-mile walk toward Soldiers Creek Park.
- Visit the Museum: If you’re a history nerd, head to the Museum of Seminole County History afterward. They often have exhibits featuring the wood salvaged from The Senator.
Big Tree Park is a quiet reminder of what "old Florida" really means. It’s not just a place where a famous tree died; it’s where a 2,000-year-old survivor is still waiting to be seen.