From Alaska to Washington, D.C.
In a 45-year-old tradition, the Christmas tree that shines throughout December on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol is cut in a national forest in a different state each year.
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree, a towering 74-foot Lutz spruce, was cut in Alaska’s Chugach National Forest on October 27. Two cranes were needed to lift the 7,500-pound tree from its 90-year home.
It is the first national tree from Alaska, and it will be quite a trip. From Chugach National Forest it traveled by truck to Seward, then Anchorage. On November 1 the tree was reloaded on an 839-foot ship for a three-day trip to Seattle. Twenty staffers ensure the safety and health of the tree on its voyage. In the lower 48, the trip continues on an 80-foot truck.
Driving the entire road journey is Lynden Transport’s John Schank, recognized as the Alaska Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year for 2014.
Followed by a caravan of caretakers, the tree travels through Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana and Ohio, making celebratory stops along the way. Its 6,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C., is more than twice the usual distance.
By the time you read this, it will be crossing the Midwest.
Each day of the journey, the tree consumes 40 gallons of water.
It arrives at Andrews Air Force Base on November 19. Early November 21, it reaches the Capitol, to be strung with tens of thousands of lights and bedecked with 4,000 ornaments made by Alaskans, from school children to artists.
On December 2 at 5pm, House Speaker Paul Ryan turns on the lights. Visit any day though January 1. The tree is illuminated from nightfall until 11pm.
Follow its daily progress at trackthetree.com.