National Christmas Trees Virtual Cache

Various locations hosted the tree and through 1953 it was lit at dusk on Christmas Eve. In 1954 the ceremony was enlarged into the “Pageant of Peace” and the “Pathway of Peace” consisting of smaller trees placed around the national tree representing the States, District of Columbia and the US territories. The 1954 National tree from Michigan was lit on Dec 17 by President Eisenhower.

Cut trees from various states were used until 1973 when a 42 foot Colorado Blue Spruce was planted on the Ellispe. This Pennsylvania tree was donated by the National Arborist Association but died in 1977. The replacement tree lasted a year but was blown over in a strong winter storm and the tree you see today was transplanted in 1978. The honor of placing the star or angel on the top of the tree goes to the wife of the current Vice-President.

The following is a list of where the National Christmas Trees originated for the years 1954 thru 1972. As geocachers lets find the locations from which these trees came. It takes some research but I have found the South Dakota sites. See pictures (the 1970 site is shown but not claimed--) Good caching all. To claim this cache, get as close as you physically and legally can. Remember not to enter private land without permission. Describe your experience and the site in your log. Be sure to indicate which National Christmas Site you are claiming. Photos with your GPS at the site would be a good verification. The usual rules apply - one log per 'cacher, each site can be logged only once, no internet "finds".