1964 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrives

The 1964 Capitol Christmas Tree, a Douglas fir, arrived at the Capitol Grounds to be planted as a permanent Christmas tree on the West Front of the Capitol. The live 24-foot tree was purchased for $700 from Buddies Nurseries of Birdsboro, Pa. Each year through 1967 this tree was decorated and a tree-lighting ceremony was held. Unfortunately, a combination of factors, including a severe wind storm in the spring of 1967 and root damage, caused the tree to die in 1968; it was removed in the same year.

Credit: Architect of the Capitol