I Tried to Photograph the Oldest Tree in Chicago

I set out to photograph the Chicago oldest tree, turning a simple assignment into a city-wide search for history. What began as a goal to identify the city's most senior resident evolved into a deeper exploration of cemeteries, forgotten neighborhoods, and public gardens. Tracking down a living piece of history requires more than just luck. This is the first film in a new series about following curiosity and capturing urban nature photography wherever it leads. Along the way, I encountered local experts and wrestled with the unrefined art of tree estimation. Finding the Chicago oldest tree meant separating fact from folklore, eventually leading to a surprising conclusion on university grounds. I hope this look at historic trees inspires you to look closer at the living landmarks in your own neighborhood. Subscribe for more stories about following curiosity, and let me know in the comments if you know of any other hidden natural landmarks in the city. Map + Photos of all the trees: https://armangole.com/oldesttreeinchi... 0:00 The Quest for Chicago's Oldest Living Resident 1:39 Testing the Rope Technique at Union Ridge 3:34 A Chance Encounter with a Local Expert 9:06 Capturing Majestic Giants in the Rain 13:57 The Final Verdict on Chicago's Oldest Trees