Sequoia Tunnel Tree

Massive sequoia trees in California have long been a popular tourist destination. The Pioneer Cabin Tree was among the most recognizable. In order to allow people to pass through the enormous tree, a tunnel was dug into its trunk in the 1800s. One of the most recognizable forest photographs ever is this one.

The enormous tree had a diameter of 22 feet and stood 100 feet tall. It was damaged by lightning at some point in the 1800s, and in 1881 the base was chiseled out to permit direct access through it. Nothing can defeat nature quite like nature, despite having endured for millennia and served as a tourist destination for many years. After a strong winter storm hit in January 2017, the tree was already experiencing root problems. The wind was too strong for the tree, so it was cut down.