Capitol Christmas Tree travels 3,000 miles from Nevada to D.C.

For the first time ever, a tree from a national forest in Nevada has been selected as the 2025 Capitol Christmas Tree.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the contiguous U.S., covering 6.3 million acres. It stretches from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Nevada’s borders with Idaho and Utah.

A 53-foot red fir, named “Silver Belle,” was harvested from Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and began the journey to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 1.

Following 13 scheduled stops for public events in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kentucky, the Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in the nation’s capital on Nov. 20.

“Selecting a tree to adorn the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol is a great honor,” Jim Kaufmann, executive director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum at the Architect of the Capitol, said. “We selected a magnificent red fir to represent the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Nevada at the U.S. Capitol during the 2025 holiday season.”

This tradition of harvesting a tree to be transported to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol building dates back to 1970.

Since that time, trees from 50 national forests across 25 states have been selected from recommendations made by the U.S. Forest Service.

Michael Porter, a driver for Swift Transportation’s Phoenix terminal, was selected to drive the custom-wrapped T680 provided by Kenworth used for the 3,000-mile trip from Nevada to Washington, D.C.

The truck wrap was designed to celebrate the spirit of the Silver State featuring a sunset overlooking Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

“It is an honor for our company to participate in hauling the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, highlighting the essential nature of the job these great men and women perform,” said Adam Miller, CEO of Knight-Swift.

In addition to the tree haul, Southwest Airlines transported thousands of ornaments handmade by Nevada residents to be hung on the tree once it reached its destination.

The presenting sponsor for this year’s Capital Christmas Tree effort was 84 Lumber, headquartered in Eight Four, Penn.

“84 Lumber is proud to help bring ‘The People’s Tree’ to Washington, D.C.,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. “This time-honored tradition celebrates the beauty of our nation’s forests and the communities they represent. We’re proud to support something that unites people across the country in celebration and stewardship.”

A tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House was scheduled to be held in early December.

More information is available at USCapitolChristmasTree.com. LL