U.S. Capital Christmas Tree to Make a Stop in Lufkin on Monday

A once-in-a-lifetime sight is coming to Lufkin on Monday.  The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which is en route to Washington, D.C., will make a stop in downtown Lufkin on Monday, November 18th.  The huge 18-wheeler carrying the tree is scheduled to be in the downtown area from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. You are encouraged to come on out and take photos.  We hope to have just as many or more people than came out to the stop in Georgetown this morning (pictured above).

The tradition of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, or “The People’s Tree,” began in 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John W. McCormack (D-MA) placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn. The tree lived three years before succumbing to wind and root damage.

In 1970, the Capitol architect asked USDA Forest Service to provide a Christmas
tree. Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide “The People’s Tree,” which includes a public engagement campaign to create connections and to celebrate our national forests.

The process of providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a year-long undertaking. Among other things, it includes the selection of “The People’s Tree,” and providing 70 companion trees for offices throughout Washington, D.C. This year, the people of New Mexico crafted well over 10,000 ornaments, which reflect New Mexico’s rich culture, history, people, landscapes, natural resources and wildlife.

The are a total of 30 public events — “whistle stops” — during the transportation of the tree from New Mexico to Washington, D.C., enabling people across the country to participate in this holiday tradition. While the tree is on tour, well-wishers will have a chance to sign banners on the side of the truck, learn more about the Carson National Forest and the great state of New Mexico, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas
Tree merchandise and more.

This year’s selection of the Carson National Forest will be the third time a Capitol Christmas Tree is selected from New Mexico; the first time was also from
the Carson in 1991, and the second was from the Santa Fe in 2005.
The 2019 tree is a blue spruce (Picea pungens). It is 60 feet tall and 68 years old.
Journey to Washington D.C.

The tree is being transported by Wilbanks Trucking Services, LLC. in a Kenworth W990.