I did a google search on the picture above.

Aided by AI. This is what it returned.

' The cactus in the image is a Cardón cactus ( Pachycereus pringlei), as confirmed by several sources describing this specific historical photograph taken in Baja California in 1895. The Cardón cactus is known for its massive size and multiple branches, which can resemble the columnar structure of an Organ Pipe cactus, but it is a distinct species. '

' While Organ Pipe cacti (Stenocereus thurberi)are significant in size, the Cardón cactus is generally considered the tallest and one of the heaviest cactus species globally, capable of reaching heights of over 60 feet and weighing up to 25 tons. The individual in the image provides a sense of the immense scale of this particular specimen. '

' This specific Cardón cactus was photographed in Baja California, Mexico, in 1895. Organ Pipe cacti are found naturally in the Sonoran Desert, including parts of Arizona and Mexico. '

Another widespread www Myth busted. ;-)

Whatever it is, it's damned impressive!

Bill, did your research turn up any indication that this monster is still alive 130 years after that pic was taken? I'm guessing not if no current photos found.......

While it's entirely possible for the cactus pictured above to achieve 300 years old, there's apparently no record keeping indicating exactly where the picture was taken in 1895.

According to the Guinness book of world records,

' The tallest cactus species is the cardón or elephant cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) native to the Sonoran Desert in north-west Mexico (across the states of Sonora, Baja California and Baja California Sur), which on average can attain heights of 10 m (33 ft),

but a 19.2-m (63-ft) specimen was discovered by Marc Salak and Jeff Brown while hiking in Baja California in April 1995, and there are reports of examples even exceeding 20 m (66 ft). '

This and theSaguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) are the longest-lived cactus in the world.

Continuing the cactus theme, here's a very tall Saguaro cactus in Ironwood Nat Forest, AZ. Guessing that is ~ 40 ft tall. Prb'ly quite a sight when in bloom.

OK @bengz6westmd ... I was hesitating to hijack the Organ Pipe Cactus thread, but you broke the ice.

I've been to Ironwood Forest National Monument; Ironwood Forest National Monument is my friend. HERE is a pretty impressive Saguaro cactus there - 83 "arms" in 2021 - which or may not be as tall as the one you've shown.