Tree Information
Common Name: swamp white oak
Scientific Name: Quercus bicolor
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 194
Status: dead
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Circumference: 300 in.
Height: 40 ft.
Crown: 29 ft.
Points: 347
Date Last Measured: 2015
Last Measured by: Greg Zell
Date First Measured: 2000
Comments: Originally measured at 68', 49', 300", 381 points. This old age tree was a former national champion, dethroned in 2008. Since then it has deteriorated significantly, losing over 50% of its height. The tree is known locally as the Wilson Oak and is rumored to have been the site of an Indian massacre in the 1700s and used for local hangings. It is thought that an early settler named Wilson built a cabin near this location. Even though the tree had lost most of its height, and several tree-sized branches had fallen, it stubbornly refused to die and served as a living historical artifact. Reported dead in 2020 by John Sweet.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Highland
Land Owner: Bill Bratton
GPS Coordinates: 38.226427, -79.701038
Directions: In a low field by a drainage 200 yards west of the Jackson River, 150 yards south of Route 607, and 200 yards east of Route 220. Follow Rt. 220 to the intersection with Rt. 607. The tree is growing in an overgrown farm field approximately 100 yards behind a small general store. The tree is easily visible from the store parking lot or roadway.
Owner Address: 26067 Sam Snead Hwy
Warm Springs, VA 24484-2395
Contact Information
Contact Name: John Sweet
Contact Email: jrs@johnrsweet.com
Contact Address: 8562 Jackson River Road
Mustoe, VA 24468-2150
Contact Phone: 540-468-2222
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Byron Carmean, Gary Williamson
Additional Information
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