Title
Gorgas Oak Historical Tree Marker
Subject
Oak
Historic trees
Historical Markers--Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Description
Alabama Famous Historical Tree - Gorgas Oak (Quereus Phellos) - One of the oldest landmarks on the campus of the University, this tree is named for Confederate General Josiah Gorgas who served as President of the University 1878-1879 - Alabama Forestry Commission.
The Gorgas Oak, which sat in front of Gorgas House, was named after the Confederate General Josiah Gorgas who served as President of the University 1878-1879.
The core of the tree had been rotten for sometime and in 1982 a storm came through Tuscaloosa causing the oak to topple.
The tree was part of the original virgin forest that once covered the area. The exact age of tree was unknown at the time it fell, but some have speculated at around 350 years old.
Several legends have surrounded the tree throughout history. Some claim that spies were hung from the tree during the civil war, something the official history of the University does not indicate. For a while, it was also known as the "kissing tree" because it was a favorite meeting place for lovers.
The Gorgas Oak, which sat in front of Gorgas House, was named after the Confederate General Josiah Gorgas who served as President of the University 1878-1879.
The core of the tree had been rotten for sometime and in 1982 a storm came through Tuscaloosa causing the oak to topple.
The tree was part of the original virgin forest that once covered the area. The exact age of tree was unknown at the time it fell, but some have speculated at around 350 years old.
Several legends have surrounded the tree throughout history. Some claim that spies were hung from the tree during the civil war, something the official history of the University does not indicate. For a while, it was also known as the "kissing tree" because it was a favorite meeting place for lovers.
Source
Tuscaloosa News Archive
Contributor
Jennifer Spraggins (Description)
Type
Photograph
Identifier
224
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Original Format
Photograph
Physical Dimensions
7 inches by 5 inches