Angel Oak
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Angel Oak in March 2010; The man standing under the tree is 5 feet 11 inches (180 centimeters) tall.
The Angel Oak Tree is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old, stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft.
The tree stands on land that was part of Abraham Waight's 1717 land grant.
The oak derives its name from the estate of Justis and Martha Angel, although local folklore told stories of ghosts of former slaves would appear as angels around the tree.
History
Angel Oak in July 2008.
The Angel Oak was damaged severely during Hurricane Hugo in 1989 but has since recovered. The City of Charleston has owned the tree and surrounding park since 1991.
Development is beginning to encroach on the site of the Angel Oak. In 2012, plans to build a 500-unit apartment complex that would be as close as 160 yards (150 m) to the Angel Oak were challenged in court by the Coastal Conservation League; their concerns included the construction's effect on available groundwater and nutrients.
The Angel Oak is located on John's Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The Angel Oak tree is featured prominently in the book, The Locket, by Emily Nelson.
(The following 12 photos were taken by Steve Martin - June 13, 2013)
Mary Smith and Laurie Martin
- June 13, 2013 on road to Angel Oak
