The Angel Oak Tree located on Johns Island just outside of Charleston is estimated to be more than 1,500 years old and is known today as an impressive landmark in the Lowcountry of SC. Live oaks are typically known to only grow out rather than upwards, but the Angel Oak’s long history has allowed it to uniquely grow both out and up. The live oak has a height of more than 65 feet, a circumference of 25 feet, a diameter spread of 160 feet, and covers about 17,100 square feet of ground. Some of its large and heavy limbs even drop to the ground, something which is only universal among the oldest living oaks. The majestic spread, strength, and beauty of the tree make it a must-see for anyone visiting the Charleston, SC area!
Historical records trace the ownership of the tree and the land on which it stands to 1717 when it was given to Abraham Waight as part of a land grant. Mr. Waight was a wealthy man who owned several plantations. The tree stayed in that family for four generations. Angel Oak acquired its name from the Angel family, descendants of Abraham Waight. In 1991, the tree became the property of the City of Charleston.
The Angel Oak Tree is thought to be one of the oldest trees and living things in the country. It has survived rough weather conditions and human interference. If you are taking a trip to Kiawah Island or Seabrook Islands, it is likely you will drive within a few hundred feet of the Angel Oak Tree, making it a worthy detour. Seeing the impressive live oak tree should be at the top of your to-do list, as it costs nothing to visit. Though located on Johns Island, the tree has come to symbolize Charleston. The Angel Oak Tree’s impressive age and natural beauty are sure to leave you in awe!
The Angel Oak Tree is located at Angel Oak Park at 3688 Angel Oak Rd. on Johns Island, just 12 miles from downtown Charleston.
Did You Know?
Fun Fact about Rainbow Row, an iconic site in Charleston.
After the Civil War and until the early 1900s, Rainbow Row was considered a slum and was a very run-down area of Charleston. A woman named Dorothy Porcher Legge invested in homes 99 through 101. To improve them, she painted them a light shade of pastel pink. Others in the area began following in her footsteps by painting their houses beautiful pastel colors to improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood. There is conflicting reasoning behind the colors, though some believe the light colors helped keep the interior of the houses cooler while some believe that the hues were used to capture the attention of drunk sailors who might not have otherwise been able to find their way home. Another theory is that the hues were the merchants’ way of indicating what types of items they sold there. To date, there are around 36.8K posts tagged with #rainbowrow on Instagram!