Sounds like it's going to be a Cupressus. How about C.glabra?

Dax

I suppose it could be that, and it should have occurred to me. However, they seem to only go through a period of being reddish on certain branches. It seems like the most mature form is darker? Like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eunique1234/1525332008/
The tree I saw was much smoother and redder than this.
Nor was it mottled like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/outdoor-photography/3232326471/

I think it had to be this:

That looks very close. However I swear I've seen large Chamaecyparis pisifera that just had a non-descript shedding browish-red bark. Oh well.

I really need to get over there with a camera. Also, the foliage didn't quite look right for Cupressus, but it was at least 15' up and hard to get a close look at.

This looks just right...just like the tree I saw:

The fluting, the buttressing, etc. Also the fact it's said to have juvenile foliage and many dead branchlets in the crown, the contributed to the "ratty" effect I noticed.

But it seems some trees of this cultivar do have less showy bark for some reason:
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/chpis7.htm

Well it's a shame about the crown appearance but I still think I want one for the bark!

Here is a big Squarrosa..

J

Nice trunks.

Don't panic but there is a ghost of a woman sitting on a tombstone above your left shoulder...GET OUT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!

Yeah, I was thinking really smooth bark more consistent with Acer griseum, but I see what you mean when you mention Sequoia. Pacific madrone of course is what I would call very smooth.

I agree that Chamaecyparis pisifera is a worthy tree. I've wanted one for years, just never purchased one. I became a fan when a local nursery carried the cultivar: 'Mr Green Genes'. Since, I found one source on the net that has always carried pisifera seedlings: Evergreen Nursery. I'll link ya.

Dax

Here is a link that might be useful: Evergreen Nursery: Chamaecyparis

Where is that, taxo-man?

HAHA!! @ floramakros
@ davidrt28 - This tree is in NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT at Cedar Grove Cemetery. There are a few others just as nice, all around 70 feet tall.

Jeff