A high tannin content makes giant sequoia wood undigestible to fungi, bacteria, insects and other decay organisms. Thus, decay of this wood takes place very slowly. The Fallen Monarch has remained virtually unchanged for well over 100 years and who knows how much longer.

After the grove was set aside as General Grant National Park in 1890, the log was used for a while as employee camp.
Bears and other creatures have most likely used the Fallen Monarch for shelter. Undoubtedly the Indians that came to the high country in summertime used the hollow trees.