State park a forerunner to other Redwood parks because of its accessibility via the San Lorenzo River Canyon
- First recorded by an Englishman in 1854, and mentioned in writings from the SC Mission 1791
- Grove was reached by railroad from SC 1875
- The "Big Trees" became an attraction that people would visit however they could
- Enterprising party made accommodations to build a resort near the entrance of the park
- Saloon was eventually added to the complex
- Was not given a proper name besides "Big Trees," which is not the clearest due to there being so many areas throughout California with such
- "Big Trees" became the prime attraction of Central California
- Many presidents and dignitaries were visitors to this site, including Theodore Roosevelt, Benjamin Harrison, General Grant and William McKinley - a tree was dedicated to each of them
- General John C. Fremont stopped over here with troops on his way to war with Mexico 1846