This Totara is remnant of dense native bush forests, which once covered this immediate area and is the oldest tree in this group. It is known locally as the "Baigent Sleeping Tree". Edward Baigent (frequently referred to as the "Father of Wakefield"), slept under this tree on his first night in Wakefield on 9 February 1843; after taking title to section no. 92 on which the Domain is now sited (Flook 1992).

Edward Baigent arrived in Nelson on 13 May 1842, with his wife Mary Ann and five children, aboard the vessel "Clifford". His first home was in Brook Street Nelson (Elizabeth Baigent, 1992).