A Relic of the Past:
Louisiana Sinker Cypress

Welcome to the Underworld of Louisiana Sinker Cypress:

Louisiana Sinker Cypress is a natural treasure that is steeped in both American and Pre-American, history and culture. Louisiana Sinker Cypress is considered the most elite, rare, and desirable category of domestic specialty and reclaimed wood in the United States. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Louisiana Sinker Cypress, from its origins to historical uses, and then you’ll understand why it’s the best choice for your next interior design project and fine art collection.

What is Louisiana Sinker Cypress?

Louisiana Sinker Cypress is virgin old growth Bald Cypress grown in the swamps and bayous of Louisiana. They are abandoned antique saw logs that were lost during transit from harvest locations in the swamps and mill sites starting in the 1700's and ending in 1930 when the last stands of virgin Bald Cypress in Louisiana were cut down. Some estimate up to 10-20% of the logs sank when they rafted them, which is why we have Louisiana Sinker Cypress.

Sinker Cypress logs are so named because they were once lost in the depths of the swamps and bayous, only to be rediscovered hundreds of years later when underwater salvage loggers began reclaiming them by hand from the murky depths of the swamps.

Why is Louisiana Sinker Cypress so unique?

Louisiana Sinker Cypress has a long history and a fascinating backstory that makes it unique. These trees can live for hundreds of years, and some specimens have been known to reach well over 3000 years old.

These trees have lived amongst the Native Americans, French, Spanish, and Americans, and are truly a treasured relic of the past.

In addition to cultural history, Louisiana Sinker Cypress is predominantly known for its natural beauty, remarkably tight grain, and that each log is completely different in color and character. The wood from these trees has a vibrant and rich color pattern, and also has a distinctive grain pattern that is prized by craftsmen and artisans. This unique combination of durability and natural beauty makes Louisiana Sinker Cypress an excellent choice for a wide variety of applications, from furniture to fine art.

Uses of Louisiana Sinker Cypress:

These old growth trees were known for their extreme size, durability and longevity, which is why they were originally harvested. This longevity is due in part to their natural resistance to rot, which means that they can survive in the wet, humid conditions of the swamps and bayous.

They were used for a wide variety of purposes throughout history starting with Native Americans using them to build dugout canoes, drums, tools, and homes. Later when European colonists arrived the wood was so prized that it was sent back to royalty across Europe. Later during the American Industrial Cypress Harvest from 1880-1930, most of the wood was exported as a fine specialty wood to places like New York, Chicago, and overseas for fine wood work including trim, doors, paneling, cabinetry and furniture.

Today, Louisiana Sinker Cypress is the most elite choice for live edge furniture, fine art, and interior design applications. The wood's live edge, unique grain pattern, and rich color make it an excellent choice for modern and contemporary art.

Sustainability of Louisiana Sinker Cypress:

Sinker Cypress is a sustainable choice for any project or application. Unlike other types of lumber, which are often harvested from clear-cut forests, Louisiana Sinker Cypress logs are abandoned antique saw logs that are reclaimed from the swamps and bayous of Louisiana. This means that the trees are not being harvested from pristine forests, but rather reclaimed from areas that have already been disturbed by human activity.

Conclusion:

Louisiana Sinker Cypress is truly a unique and fascinating natural resource that has been prized for centuries for its natural beauty, cultural and historical significance. Whether you're the most discerning art collector or you simply want to add a touch of natural beauty and character to your home or business, Louisiana Sinker Cypress is simply the finest choice. With its rich history and unique characteristics, Louisiana Sinker Cypress is sure to be a conversation starter and a treasured addition to any space. Own a piece of Louisiana history, just do it.

To help experience the history and natural beauty of Louisiana Sinker Cypress, below is a personal collection of pictures starting in log form and ending in slab form: