A massive section of a 1,500-year-old California giant sequoia is headed to the Smithsonian — it dates back to the era of the Mayan pyramids

The tree was killed by a series of intense wildfires that occurred in 2020 and was later removed due to safety concerns.

California’s nature never ceases to amaze, from the vast deep blue ocean home to creatures straight out of science fiction, to paradise-like lakes with crystal-clear waters perfect for summer. But without a doubt, one of the state’s most iconic features is the towering sequoias, which are a symbol and a source of local pride.