The Gorgas Oak

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Title

The Gorgas Oak

Subject

Oak
Historic trees

Description

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

Date

1982

Contributor

Jennifer Spraggins (Description)

Type

Photograph

Identifier

225

Coverage

Tuscaloosa (AL)

Original Format

Photograph

Physical Dimensions

7 inches by 5 inches