Angel Oak is a live oak tree that is located in Angel Oak Park, which is on Johns Island in Charleston South Carolina. Angel Oak is significant because it is believed to be close to 1,400 years old, which could make it one of the oldest living things located east of the Mississippi River. While there are some conservative estimates that date the tree younger, most consider the tree to be 1,400 year old or older. The limbs of the oak tree crawl along in ground and up into the sky. Spanish moss can be found hanging from the tree.
Angel Oak is 65 feet tall and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. The largest limb of the tree is 89 feet long and has a circumference of 11.25 feet. Angel Oak is part of a species of trees that is native to the lowcountry area. The trees limbs stretch out in all directions, creating a wide canopy.
The tree is located in a wooded area along Bohicket Road. In the 18th and 19th centuries, wood from live oak trees was valued for shipbuilding. Historical records trace the ownership of Angel Oak back to a land grant that was received by Abraham Waight in 1717. Waight owned several plantations in the 18th century. The tree stayed in the possession of the Waight family for four generations. Eventually, the land that contained Angel Oak was included in a marriage settlement. The marriage settlement was between Justus Angel and Martha Waight Angel. The live oak was named after this couple. Angel Oak is now owned by the City of Charleston, and there is no fee to see the tree.
Angel Oak covers roughly 17,100 square feet. Most live oaks grow outward and do not really grow upward very much. Due to its age, Angel Oak has done both. Some of the oak's limbs rest on the ground. Some of the limbs even go underground and then rise back up out of the ground. Some of the acorns produced by Angel Oak have been used to produce authentic direct-offspring live oak trees. Angel Oak has survived earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. During Hurricane Hugo, Angel Oak was severely damaged, but the tree has recovered and continues to grow.
Live oak trees have green foliage. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow. Live oak trees do not flower and like to have full sun exposure. They typically grow in normal soil, and their ideal soil moisture is simply average. Angel Oak is a member of the botanical species of quercus virginiana, a species that is native to South Carolina.
Angel Oak is home to the "Evening Under the Angel Oak'' series. This series includes dramatic presentations, music, and more. In spring and summer, other artistic events are held in the area. The Angel Oak area is sometimes used for picnics, parties, reunions, and weddings. Visitors are permitted on the grounds from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Angel Oak is located at 3688 Angel Oak Road in Johns Island, South Carolina. Anyone interested in obtaining additional information about Angel Oak can call 843-559-3496.
Our Family reunion is every other year in South Carolina and this is a must see!!!
Thank you.
DW