2022 update: A visit to the tree in August 2022 by local big tree enthusiast David Haskins discovered that it had finally toppled over due to defects and past storm damage. Decomposition of the tree suggested it had been down for a couple years. It was last checked on in January 2019 by Va. Big Trees staff, at which time it was still standing.
2019 update: Declared national champion in 2016 and recognized as national co-champion in 2019, sharing the title with a tree in Connecticut. It is the current all-time largest documented specimen of the species in the state.
2016 update: In 2016, the tree was still alive, but had lost a large leader and many limbs from storm damage. It will probably fall apart in the next 3-5 years due to extensive rot in the trunk.
It was originally discovered by Lyttelton 'Lyt' Wood while attending Virginia Tech. He then measured and nominated the tree in November 1977.
Top photo: Original September 1977 nomination photo (L. Wood). Middle photos: November 2016 (E. Wiseman). Bottom photos: August 2022 (D. Haskins).