history

This Cork Oak Tree (Quercus suber), the largest of its species in Santa Cruz County, California, was purportedly planted by Levi Starbuck circa 1880. Born on January 24, 1828, into a famous and wealthy seafaring family from Nantucket Island, Starbuck's grandfather, Levi Starbuck, is said to be the model Herman Melville used for Captain Ahab's second in command in the novel Moby Dick.

Following his recovery from injuries sustained during the First Battle of Bull Run, (Company D, 1st Rhode Island Infantry Regiment), the younger Levi joined the family business and set out to sea. For the next twelve years, driven by his deep interest in botany, Levi collected countless species of exotic flowers, shrubs, and trees during his travels. In 1884, Starbuck and his wife purchased eight acres in Santa Cruz County for $1,300 in gold coin. The couple built an ornate Queen Anne-style cottage and, with the exotic flora he had collected during his travels, Starbuck “laid out elaborate gardens where he planted his rare trees like jewels in a special setting surrounded by rare roses bordering the walks.” The garden drew such interest that Starbuck opened it to visitors once a week so that he could conduct tours.