2021 update: Tree was found in May 2021 to have been toppled by a storm earlier that spring. Former state and national champion.
2020 update: Co-state champion in July 2016 and recognized in 2019 as national champion. In 2020, recognized as national co-champ with tree in James City county. The trunk circumference was difficult to measure due to layers of large poison ivy climbing up the trunk. Height of trunk measurement was established from the roadway adjacent to tree, which better indicates true ground level, due to the amount of vegetation around base of tree.
Originally nominated in 1988 by Gladys Robbins (owner) and again in 1997 by Bassett and Nelling. Remeasured by Byron Carmean, Steve Tuck, and Gary Williamson in 2006.
Originally thought to be a cherrybark oak (Q. pagoda), but later declared as more like southern red oak (Q. falcata). Couldn't rule out a hybrid with cherrybark oak. USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual actually considers cherrybark a variety of southern red oak (Q. falcata var. pagodafolia).
Top. David Martin, Middle. Alex Cassell, Bottom. Brian Kelley (2006, 2016, 2021)