The Father of the Forest 450 Ft Long, C. Grove 1876 - 1880

Carleton Watkins created this circular albumen print titled "The Father of the Forest 450 Ft Long, C. Grove" at an unknown date. Watkins lived during a time of westward expansion in the United States, fueled by ideas of manifest destiny and economic opportunity. This image captures a section of a fallen giant sequoia tree, whose size is emphasized by the inclusion of makeshift wooden steps along its side. As the West was being settled, the perception of these trees shifted; their immense scale became a symbol of the American landscape but also a resource to be exploited. Watkins's photographs, while celebrated for their beauty, also served to promote the commercial interests that threatened these natural wonders. Watkins once said: "I hope to God that no one ever destroys them." "The Father of the Forest" evokes a sense of loss, hinting at the environmental costs of unchecked progress. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature, then and now.