Angel Oak Tree in South Carolina

Angel Oak is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana ) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston , South Carolina . The tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old. It 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 m 2 ). Its longest branch distance is 187 ft in length. Angel Oak was the 210th tree to be registered with the Live Oak Society.

The oak derives its name from the estate of Justus Angel and his wife, Martha Waight Tucker Angel. Local folklore tells stories of ghosts of former slaves appearing as angels around the tree.
Despite the claims that the Angel Oak is the oldest tree east of the Mississippi River , bald cypress trees throughout North and South Carolina are significantly older. One example in North Carolina is over 1,600 years old.

After centuries of shipbuilding with timber, there aren't very many old trees left in South Carolina - which is partially what makes this Angel Oak outside of Charleston so special. That and the fact that the arboreal behemoth is said to be up to 1,400 years old and the oldest of its kind east of the Mississippi River. Located on John's Island, Angel Oak is 66.5 feet tall, 22.5 feet around, and it provides an extraordinary 17,200 square feet of shade!

HISTORY
Ferns and other greenery grow along the trees massive limbs 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 Angel Oak. In 2012, plans to build a 500-unit apartment complex that would be 160 yards (150 m) from Angel Oak were challenged in court by a group called Save the Angel Oak and the Coastal Conservation League; their concerns included the construction's effect on available groundwater and nutrients. By December, 2013, another South Carolina nonprofit celebrated "the preservation of 17 acres adjacent to the majestic tree."

There is considerable debate about the age of the Angel Oak. Some contend that it is 1,500 years old. Most believe that the more conservative estimates are more accurate.
It is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Charleston South Carolina. It is on everyone’s top ten list of things to do in Charleston. Despite being located on John’s Island, the Angel Oak has come to symbolize Charleston South Carolina. A large number of people search for “Angel Oak Charleston South Carolina” even thought this tree is on John’s Island. It is a southern live oak located in Angel Oak Park, on Johns Island SC.

For those visiting Kiawah or Seabrook islands, you will drive right past the Angel Oak.
The Angel Oak Tree is thought to be one of the oldest living things in the country. The land where the Angel Oak Tree stands was part of Abraham Waight’s 1717 land grant. The City of Charleston now owns the property. The Angel Oak Park is free and the tree should be added to any visit to Charleston, Kiawah or Seabrook Islands. In fact, if you are going to Kiawah Island or Seabrook Islands, you will likely drive within a few hundred feet of the Angel Oak Tree.