BLM and Oregon's Centennial Tree -- 1959

Hard to believe that it was just a scant 56 years ago that the mighty State of Oregon turned 100 years old! Linus Pauling was the official Centennial lecturer. Governor Hatfield joined by Richard Nixon presided over the opening ceremonies. President Eisenhower issued a Centennial proclamation. Harry Belafonte and Lawrence Welk wowed the crowds with their melodious tones. And the BLM provided the 283 foot, 406-year-old, Douglas Fir Centennial Tree that was displayed at Oregon’s Centennial Exposition in Portland’s Kenton Neighborhood.
The Centennial Tree was brought to Portland under the supervision of the very last BLM State Supervisor, Virgil T. Heath. After Virgil’s tenure with the BLM, the State Supervisors became State Directors.
Take a step back in time to 1959 and see how this mammoth tree made its way from Coos County to Portland. Happy Birthday Oregon! Here’s to many, many, many more…