History with ‘Hud’: Exploring the supposed 2,000-year-old tree in Brunswick County
SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear has numerous sites and structures around the region which date back hundreds of years. But there’s one spot in Brunswick County still visible after more than 2,000 years – according to some.
A sprawling oak tree along Village Point Road in Shallotte Point is estimated by a few locals to be thousands of years old, with the circumference of the trunk measuring in yards and limbs spanning the length of a tennis court.
There’s even a sign on the trunk stating the age of the oak. If the date is right, it was standing and growing on the grounds 1,500 years before Europeans ever set foot in this part of the world.
However, some experts have doubts as to its age.
Oak Trees can definitely survive for numerous centuries due to their being adapted to our ecosystem, being salt tolerant and having very strong wood and root systems. But even though the tree has survived countless hurricanes and storms, more reasonable estimates take the tree at 500 to 600 years old.
Regardless, the tree is a piece of local history dating back at least more than 200 years before Wilmington itself was even established. It’s still worth the trip to take in the beauty and history if you find yourself in that part of town.
Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston (‘Hud’) has always had two major loves – weather and history. While you can watch him talk about weather each morning on WWAY, he looks forward to bringing you a little piece of history each Thursday on WWAY’s website.
To read other History with ‘Hud’ segments, click HERE.
