This year's Capitol Christmas Tree was taken on a 2,170-mile journey to Washington, D.C., making several stops along the way before finally reaching the nation's capitol. The 80-foot Nobile Fir tree was cut from the Willamette National Forest in Oregon before trucking across the country behind a new Kenworth W990. Photos courtesy Paccar
Cross Country Travels of the Capitol Christmas Tree [Photos]
The Capitol Christmas tree finally arrived in Washington, D.C., after traveling 2,170 miles along the Oregon trail.
Photo courtesy of Paul Feenstra
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
Featuring a 76-inch mid-rood sleeper, the W990 was spec’d with the Paccar Powertrain – a Paccar MX-13 engine rated at 455-hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, 12-speed automated transmission, and 40K tandem rear axle.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
The Capitol Tree originated in Oregon's Willamette National Forest near the town of Sweet Home.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Kitahara
The tree was fitted with a special 200-gallon water bladder – to keep it hydrated, carefully wrapped and boxed.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
The 80-foot Noble Fir arrived on November 26.
Photo courtesy of Paul Feenstra
On the road near Scotts Bluff, Nebraska.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
The Kenworth W990 transporting the tree features a distinctive graphics package with a brightly lit and colorfully adorned Christmas Tree next to the U.S. Capitol below the words “From the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps.”
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
The tree made several stops along the way including here in Independence, Missouri.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
Along the way, the tree stopped for 25 community events, helping to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, and the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills
Central Oregon Truck Company was this year’s designated hauler of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Mills