Meet the American who planted the first Christmas tree farm: New Jersey entrepreneur W. V. McGalliard
Fox News
William V. McGalliard planted America's first Christmas tree farm in White Horse, New Jersey, in 1901. He helped fuel the nation's 20th-century surge in having Christmas trees at home.
McGalliard had hoped to turn some rock-filled land on his property into profit. Americans purchase about 30 million trees each Christmas, almost all of them raised on farms. "He was responsible for the development, which changed White Horse from a sparse farming district to a flourishing town." "The boys decorated the tree in secret and even enlisted the help of an electrician on staff at the White House to help decorate it with lights." "His long life was one of useful accomplishment, rich in human values and crowned with … a whole circle of friends." Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
This real-life Father Christmas Tree instead changed the way a nation celebrates a cherished holiday.