Angel Oak Tree
South Carolina
The Angel Oak Tree, located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina, is an extraordinary Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old. Towering at 66.5 feet tall with a circumference of 28 feet, it provides an expansive shade covering approximately 17,200 square feet. Its longest branch stretches an impressive 187 feet, making it one of the largest live oaks east of the Mississippi River. The tree is named after the estate of Justus Angel and Martha Waight Tucker Angel. Angel Oak has survived significant events such as Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and has since recovered. The surrounding park is open to the public year-round, welcoming approximately 400,000 visitors annually. It serves not only as a natural wonder but also as a cultural symbol, featuring in literature and media. Preservation efforts protect the tree and its environment from nearby development, ensuring its longevity for future generations to admire.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit the Angel Oak Tree during daylight hours as the park is open seven days a week but closed on holidays. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to support preservation. Permits are required for weddings and photo shoots. To protect the tree, blankets, food, drinks, props, and tripods are prohibited near the tree. Leashed pets are allowed only in designated picnic areas. Planning ahead by contacting the City of Charleston's Recreation Department for special event permits is recommended.
Faits intéressants
- •Angel Oak was the 210th tree registered with the Live Oak Society.
- •The tree's longest branch measures 187 feet in length, one of the longest recorded for a live oak.
- •Despite local claims, it is not the oldest tree east of the Mississippi; some bald cypress trees in the Carolinas are much older, with one exceeding 1,600 years.
- •An acorn from Angel Oak, named 'Baby Angel', was germinated and grown under the main tree's branches in 2018.
- •Angel Oak has been featured prominently in literature and media, including the romance novel 'Where the Fireflies Dream' and a 2018 Allstate television advertisement honoring the Carolinas' resilience.
Histoire
The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be 400–500 years old, making it one of the oldest Southern live oaks in the region.
It was severely damaged during Hurricane Hugo in 1989 but has since fully recovered.
The City of Charleston acquired the tree and surrounding park in 1991 to ensure its protection.
In 2012, development plans near the tree were legally challenged to prevent environmental impact, leading to the preservation of 17 adjacent acres by the Lowcountry Land Trust in 2013.
These efforts have helped safeguard the tree's environment amid increasing urban encroachment.
Guide du lieu
Main Trunk and Massive Branchescirca 1600s
The central trunk of Angel Oak is enormous, supporting sprawling branches that extend up to 187 feet, creating a vast canopy that shades over 17,000 square feet. Visitors can walk beneath these majestic limbs and appreciate the tree's grandeur and natural architecture.
Angel Oak Park Grounds
The surrounding park area offers picnic spaces and walking paths, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the tree and its environment. The park is managed by the City of Charleston and includes a gift shop with Lowcountry specialty items.
Contact
Téléphone: (843) 559-3496
