What if the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi River stood right before you? This is the Angel Oak Tree. It is a Lowcountry treasure. The Angel Oak stands as a testament to time. It is a silent observer of centuries.
This magnificent Southern live oak is on Johns Island near Charleston. The Angel Oak’s name comes from Justus and Martha Waight Tucker Angel. They once owned the land.
Imagine the stories held within its gnarled branches. The Angel Oak is estimated to be 400 to 500 years old. It has stood tall through countless seasons.
It all started in 1675. The property was purchased from the Cussoe Indians. A representative of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper bought it. In 1717, the land became part of a grant to colonist Abraham Waight. His daughter Martha married Justus Angel in 1810. Their descendants owned the land until the mid-1900s.
The Angel Oak is not just old it is enormous. It stands 65 feet tall. Its canopy covers an astonishing 17200 square feet. The Angel Oak’s circumference measures about 25 feet. The tree’s heavy boughs reach out. Some even rest on the ground.
Unlike most live oaks, it grows both out and up. This explains its height and broad canopy. Its size provides ample shade.
The Angel Oak has also faced adversity. It has survived hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Hurricane Hugo caused slight damage in 1989. But it did not stop its growth. Developers once threatened the Angel Oak. The people of Charleston rallied to protect it. In 1991, the city of Charleston purchased the site.
The Angel Oak holds cultural significance too. Enslaved people once picnicked under its branches during segregation. Some say that the ghosts of former slaves protect the tree.
The Angel Oak was named a Millennium Tree in 2000. In 2004, it became South Carolina’s Heritage Tree of the Year. The Angel Oak is a place of artistic events. During summer and autumn, events like Evening Under the Angel Oak take place.
Visiting the Angel Oak is free. Donations are accepted for its preservation. The Angel Oak Park welcomes visitors seven days a week. It is closed on holidays. The gift shop sells Lowcountry specialty items.
Take a moment to appreciate this natural wonder. Consider its history and resilience. The Angel Oak is more than just a tree. It is a symbol of Charleston’s enduring spirit. Its roots and branches are strong. They nurture both locals and visitors.