At Around 400 Years Old, One Of The Oldest Trees In Georgia Is Found On Jekyll Island
By Lisa Sammons|Published October 20, 2022
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
One of the most photographed and beautiful places in Georgia is Jekyll Island. This barrier island is a destination for travelers from all over the state, and it’s really no wonder why. The island has a unique natural beauty, plus so much culture and history. There are gorgeous beaches, marshes, and great trails here. And don’t even get us started on the amazing seafood and other restaurants you’ll find! One of the oldest trees in Georgia is tucked away on Jekyll Island. Nicknamed the Plantation Oak, this mighty tree is thought to be around 400 years old and it’s absolutely massive.
Jekyll Island is a magnificent place. Whether you're looking to enjoy a romp in the water or check out some of the great historical spots, there's so much to see here.
One thing that's remarkable about Jekyll Island is that despite its status as a popular tourist attraction, there's still quite a bit of undeveloped natural space here.
The island is managed by the state, and only about one-third of it can be used for commercial purposes. A surprising amount of the land here is untouched and pristine.
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One of the most magnificent living things on Jekyll Island is the Plantation Oak. This massive live oak tree is estimated to be about 350-400 years old.
The Plantation Oak is about 112 feet high and measures an amazing 128 feet from limb to limb, so it's actually wider than it is tall. The trunk's diameter measures 7.75 feet.
Some species of oak trees can live to be 1,000 years old. It's amazing to think that the Plantation Oak was likely already over a century old when the United States was founded!