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For scale, that's Judy Ness standing
near the trunk of this live oak tree (Quercus Virginiana)
that stands about 13 miles southwest of downtown Charleston.
Thought to be the oldest tree east of the Mississippi
River, it's over 65 feet tall and could be as many
as 1,500 years old. According to HistoricTrees.org,
ownership records can be traced back to 1717, when
Abraham Waight "took possession" of the
tree as part of a land grant. The tree has a circumference
of nearly 26 feet and provides about 17,000 square
feet of shade. The largest limb has a circumference
of 11 feet. Some people claim the name of this massive
tree refers to the aura of an angel, but is more likely
named after one set of previous owners, Martha and
John Angel. Today, the tree is the centerpiece of
a public park.
Location:
3688 Angel Oak Road,
Johns Island, SC 29455
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