Question: Who is the giant sequoia tree named for?Answer: Sequoyah! The trees were named giant sequoias in honor of this famous Cherokee inventor.He invented the Cherokee Native American alphabet so that his people could write down their history and communicate more easily.He learned how to write his name in English so that he could sign the silver jewelry he designed. In addition to being a silversmith, he also was a farmer, a blacksmith, a respected leader, and an inventor. Read these and other History Maker Bios about Native American Leaders: Chief Joseph, Geronimo, Quanah Parker, Sitting Bull, Tecumseh.