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Entry 355Filed under Breeding

Angel Oak Near Charleston: How Old Is This Massive Live Oak?

The City of Charleston estimates Angel Oak is 300–400 years old, while another landscape-history source gives an estimate of 400–500 years. Learn what is known about its scale, history, and visiting rules.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
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Angel Oak is a Southern live oak on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The City of Charleston estimates it is 300–400 years old, while another landscape-history source gives an estimate of 400–500 years; neither range establishes its exact age. The City reports that the tree is 65 feet tall and shades about 17,000 square feet.

A giant tree on Johns Island

Angel Oak stands in a City of Charleston public park at 3688 Angel Oak Road on Johns Island. Its striking feature is its breadth: the tree has a broad, horizontally oriented canopy and limbs that reach the ground.

The City of Charleston reports a height of 65 feet, a trunk circumference of 25.5 feet, and a shade area of 17,000 square feet. These figures help explain why Angel Oak feels so expansive despite its modest height.

What kind of tree is Angel Oak?

Angel Oak is a Quercus virginiana, commonly called a Southern live oak. Live oaks often develop broad crowns and heavy horizontal limbs, rather than growing primarily upward.

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How old is Angel Oak?

The City of Charleston estimates Angel Oak is 300–400 years old. The Cultural Landscape Foundation gives a different estimate of 400–500 years; these are estimates, not a verified birth date or exact age.

Source Age estimate What to know
City of Charleston 300–400 years The official city estimate; the page does not give a publication year.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation 400–500 years An alternate landscape-history estimate.

The estimates differ, so it is best to keep both ranges attributed rather than combine or average them. Claims that Angel Oak is 1,000 or 1,500 years old are not established by the sources reviewed here.

Why is it called Angel Oak?

The Cultural Landscape Foundation traces the name to the Angel family and the plantation landscape. It reports that Abraham Waight acquired the land in 1717 and incorporated it into a rice plantation known as “The Point.” In 1810, after Waight descendant Martha married Justus Angel, the plantation and tree were renamed “Angel.”

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The Cultural Landscape Foundation also describes Angel Oak as a gathering place for local communities, including Gullah/Geechee people. During segregation in the early twentieth century, the tree remained accessible to all. Teachers including educator and civil rights activist Septima Poinsette Clark brought African American students there to picnic.

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Who owns and protects Angel Oak?

The City of Charleston established the park in 1991 and manages it as a public site. The city accepts donations toward the tree’s preservation. The Cultural Landscape Foundation also reports that the Lowcountry Land Trust acquired adjoining woodland in 2013 after it had been slated for development.

Visiting Angel Oak Park

Angel Oak Park is at 3688 Angel Oak Road on Johns Island. Admission is free, and the City of Charleston accepts donations toward preservation. The city says the public is allowed access seven days a week, but the park closes on holidays.

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Visitor detail Information
Address 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, Charleston, South Carolina
Admission Free; donations accepted
Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday 1–5 p.m.
Gift shop Closes at 4:30 p.m.
Holiday access Park closed on holidays

The hours above are listed by the South Carolina tourism page and may change. Check the City of Charleston’s current visitor information before traveling, especially around holidays or near closing time.

Rules for photographs, pets, and events

The City of Charleston prohibits blankets, drinks, food, props, and tripods on or around the tree. Follow posted instructions and stay in permitted visitor areas to help protect this living tree.

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Permits are required for weddings, wedding or engagement photo shoots, and other special events. Contact the City of Charleston’s Recreation Department before planning a shoot or event.

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Leashed pets are allowed only in designated areas, including the picnic area. Keep dogs out of restricted areas and away from the tree, its roots, and low limbs.

What makes Angel Oak unusual?

  • Age: The City estimates 300–400 years; another landscape-history source estimates 400–500 years.
  • Horizontal reach: Its broad canopy and limbs that reach the ground make the tree appear especially expansive.
  • Shade: The City reports a shade area of 17,000 square feet.
  • History: The tree is associated with the Angel family and a documented Lowcountry landscape.
  • Community significance: The Cultural Landscape Foundation describes it as a gathering place for local communities, including Gullah/Geechee people.

Is Angel Oak the oldest tree in America?

The sources reviewed for this article do not establish Angel Oak as the oldest tree in the United States or support an uncontested national ranking. It is more accurate to describe it as a centuries-old Southern live oak and a prominent living landmark near Charleston.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Angel Oak?

The City of Charleston estimates Angel Oak is 300–400 years old. The Cultural Landscape Foundation gives an alternate estimate of 400–500 years. The exact age is not established.

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Is Angel Oak really 1,500 years old?

The sources reviewed here do not establish that age. The estimates they provide are in the hundreds of years, not 1,500 years.

Can you visit Angel Oak for free?

Yes. The City of Charleston lists free admission and accepts donations toward preservation.

Can I bring my dog to Angel Oak?

Leashed pets are allowed only in designated areas, including the picnic area. Follow posted instructions and keep pets away from the tree and restricted areas.

Can I take professional photos at Angel Oak?

Permits are required for weddings, wedding or engagement photo shoots, and other special events. Contact the City of Charleston’s Recreation Department before planning a session.

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The Bottom Line

Angel Oak is a centuries-old Southern live oak whose sprawling form, documented history, and community significance make it a notable landmark near Charleston. The City estimates the tree is 300–400 years old, while another landscape-history source gives a 400–500-year estimate; neither establishes its exact age.

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