Redwood Tree

Uncommonly know on the east coast and typically found in California, Hawkinsville is home to its very own Redwood Tree. The tree came to Hawkinsville through one of the town’s earliest residents, Lea Watson Walker, whose family originally owned the property. She was said to have written to all U.S. states and territories to have samples of their state trees sent to her to plant on her property. Skip decades into the future, the most recent owners of the property, Berta Mae & Eschol Wright, felt that the best way to honor the tree and keep it protected was to will the tree to the City Of Hawkinsville.

The tree is now over 100 years old and has been given honors, first recognized as a Georgia champion by the Georgia Forestry Commission in 1973. That status was renewed in 1994 when it was measured again. It was 85 feet tall with a 131-inch circumference.