The Angel Oak Tree
The Angel Oak Tree is one of Charleston’s quintessential attractions when visiting the Holy City. The Angel Oak is the oldest live oak east of the Mississippi River and is estimated to be anywhere from 300-400 years old.
This massive live oak stands at an astounding 65 feet and has a circumference of nearly 26 feet at its trunk. It shades over 17,000 square feet (which is nearly half an acre) and is quite honestly not well described with words. The City of Charleston acquired Angel Oak Park in 1991 and has continued to protect and upkeep the tree since.
In my time as a photographer in Charleston, not only has this been one of the best-selling photos I have ever taken but has also served as a location for couples’ photoshoots and engagements.
I love coming back time and time again to admire its beauty and to see the expressions on peoples faces when experiencing this for the first time.
ANGEL OAK TREE
Surprisingly enough, not many folks know about the vast history of this tree that is, to some, considered a national treasure. Historical records trace the ownership back to the year 1717 and the original owner of the land, Abraham Waight. Waight gained the land where the Angel Oak rests in a land grant and was revered as a very wealthy man that amounted to his wealth through the ownership of several plantations in the Charleston area. The land was used as a marriage settlement between Martha W.T. Angel and Justus Angel. Hence the tree’s namesake. And as the icing on top of the cake, local folklore states that there are stories of ghosts of former slaves appearing as angels around the tree, but as expected, this has not been proven.
THE ANGEL OAK B&W
Thanks for reading my blog! To see more of my photography and products available check out the All Products page to see more. Also, don’t forget to follow, like, and share my social media pages for updates, deals, and promos!
These photo(s) are:
- Justin
The Angel Oak’s longevity is credited to its natural hardiness.
Live oaks have a vast deep taproot which means that the largest root sprouts other adjoining roots creating a widespread system under the ground which plants the oak firm in the ground. Therefore the Angel Oak survived not just Hurricane Hugo but also the infamous earthquake that not only rattled the ground but businesses and people alike back in 1886.
To see the Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina check out the website for more information and times to see it; and don’t forget… this landmark has a free entry as well and is great for local education and picnics.