Old Oak Tree facts for kids
The Old Oak Tree was a white oak that stood in the churchyard of the Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States. The tree was over 600 years old, and died in 2016, before being cut down in 2017. It stood at 97 feet tall, and was perhaps the oldest white oak in the world.
History
The Old Oak Tree was located in the historical graveyard of the Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge. During its life, it witnessed pieces of American history.
English evangelist George Whitfield and American clergyman James Davenport preached under the tree on November 5, 1740 to a crowd of 3,000 in the First Great Awakening.
George Washington's troops were drilled on the village green, within view, and Washington picnicked under the tree with Lafayette.
The 5,500 French troops of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur marched by in 1781, on their route to Yorktown, Virginia and the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War.
Description
Nicknamed the "Holy Oak", the Old Oak Tree was 619 years old when it died in 2016. It stood at a height of 97 feet (30 meters) and had a trunk circumference of 20 feet (6 meters). Its spread was over 130 feet (40 meters). In its final years, its lower branches had to be supported by metal bars.
Death and cutting down
In June 2016, the tree was "failing to thrive" and showed signs of distress as its upper parts failed to sprout leaves. By September 2016, the tree had died. The Holy Oak was taken down over three days, with the work finished on April 26, 2017. A young white oak grown from an acorn of the old tree has been planted in the churchyard.
