Prometheus, the world’s oldest tree, was cut down by a scientist after 5,000 years: “I knew it was quite old”

Back in 1964, a scientific decision ended up destroying one of the oldest living organisms ever discovered. Prometheus, a Great Basin bristlecone pine growing high on the slopes of Wheeler Peak in Nevada, had survived nearly 5,000 years before it was cut down—long before anyone realized its true age.

The person behind the mistake was Donald Rusk Currey, a graduate student researching tree‑ring growth patterns. At the time, Prometheus didn’t stand out. It wasn’t especially tall or visually impressive, so Currey had no reason to suspect he was dealing with a natural relic older than the Egyptian pyramids.

According to reporting highlighted by Indian Defence Review, even today it’s unclear why he chose to fell the tree, though records show he had permission from the US Forest Service.

A mistake that reshaped tree‑preservation policy

One theory suggests the coring tool Currey used to extract a sample became stuck in the trunk. Another possibility is that he believed he needed a full cross‑section of the tree to continue his research. Whatever the reason, the bristlecone pine was cut down—and only later did the magnitude of the loss become clear.

Years afterward, Currey recounted to the San Francisco Chronicle the moment he realized what he had done. Back home, examining the tree’s cross‑section with a magnifying lens, he began counting the rings. That’s when it hit him: Prometheus was nearly 5,000 years old.

Although even older trees have since been identified, the felling of Prometheus remains one of the most unfortunate events in the history of American conservation. The incident sparked widespread outrage and ultimately led to stronger protections for ancient trees across the United States. The goal was simple: ensure that nothing like the Prometheus tragedy ever happens again.

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