Walking among the massive branches, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Not knowing where to begin, you fix your gaze on one of its branches. Yes, that’s a good place to start. Full of texture, with moss growing in a vibrant green. The tree is the main attraction here, offering the opportunity to slow down, take your time, and let your thoughts wander.
This tree stands 20 meters tall and has a circumference of 8.5 meters. Its longest branch stretches 57 meters. It is the Angel Oak Tree, a southern oak native to the lowlands of the coastal Carolinas.
Why is it called Angel?
According to a lovely theory, when the first branch of a southern oak touches the ground and then rises again, it earns the majestic title of «Angel Tree.» But the truth is, there is an official version of why it’s called the Angel Oak. The tree owes its name to the landowner, Justus Angel, and his wife, Martha Waight Tucker Angel. However, other local legends suggest that the ghosts of former slaves appear as angels around the tree.
Folklore of the Angel Oak
This particular tree is located on John’s Island, South Carolina. Some say it is one of the oldest trees in the country, with an estimated age of about 500 years. And with age comes legends, such as it being a sacred burial site for Native American tribes and claims of ghost sightings and glowing orbs from recent visitors at night.
But there’s also the story of an elderly African American woman, a descendant of slaves who worked the land near the Angel Oak. She recalled that, when she was a child, giant vultures would often circle the tree. They had a taste for the bodies that used to be found there, hanging from its branches. The woman said that many black people avoided the tree because it was cursed due to the legacy it held, and that even today people claim they can still feel something strange, a sort of ill omen, around the tree.
An Ambiguous and Unusual Story
I began this article by describing the majesty of the famous Angel Oak Tree, and without context, it seems like a place where romances and fairy tales are made. But with a bit of perspective, although the account of those who were lynched is vague and no further details or specific stories have been found, by knowing and understanding the history of the southern United States, we can assume that people were killed here; if not on this tree, certainly on another nearby. But it’s probably safe to say that at least some of the branches of this ancient tree have witnessed lynchings, and that changes the whole vibe here, at least for someone sensitive.
For many visitors, learning the full story of the Angel Oak adds a layer of respect and reflection to their visit. It’s a reminder that beauty and horror often coexist, even in places we see as symbols of natural splendor. The story of the Angel Oak encourages us to look beyond the perfect images we carry and confront the realities that have shaped our world.
So, before planning a visit, ask yourself: will you admire only the charming form of the tree, or will you let its hidden stories speak to you? The choice is yours, but remember: the truth, like a strong root, runs deep.