"There was much excitement in 1903 when it was learned that President Theodore Roosevelt would tour Santa Cruz on May 8, greeting the public before seeing his first redwoods during a picnic at Big Trees Grove (now Henry Cowell state park)," writes Ross Eric Gibson. "The presidential visit was expected to be a boon to business, and a promoter's dream with the national press in town, showing off the attractions of Santa Cruz."
No, Abe Lincoln never got to fulfill his wish to visit Santa Cruz, but Benjamin Harrison and Teddy Roosevelt, marveling at our redwoods, whistle-stopped through.
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