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Federal designation highlights centuries of Indigenous, Gullah Geechee, and Civil Rights history beneath its branches
Charleston, SC, June 11, 2026 – Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to protecting land and water forever and connecting the community to conservation, is proud to announce the Angel Oak, one of the South’s most iconic natural landmarks, has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of places worthy of preservation for their significance to American history.
The designation, a program of the National Park Service, recognizes the Angel Oak for the generations of people whose lives intersected beneath its branches and the important stories the site helps tell about the Lowcountry’s past. From Indigenous communities and plantation-era life to Reconstruction, education, agriculture, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern conservation efforts, the Angel Oak has stood as a witness to centuries of history.
The National Register listing was supported by extensive historical, cultural, and archaeological research conducted as part of planning for the future Angel Oak Preserve. In partnership with BVL Historic Preservation Research, Lowcountry Land Trust documented the history of the tree and surrounding landscape, confirming its significance as a multi-generational social and spiritual symbol for the people of Johns Island. The research connects the site to Indigenous communities, the lives of enslaved people on the former Angel Plantation, Gullah Geechee farmers and families on Johns Island, frequent visits by Civil Rights leaders such as Septima P. Clark and Esau Jenkins, and non-segregated community gathering, recreation, and learning beneath the tree’s expansive canopy.
“This designation validates what many people have understood about the Angel Oak for generations: it is a place where history, culture, nature, and community intersect,” said Matt Williams, president and CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “This process helped us better understand the significance of the site and informed the intentional design of the future Angel Oak Preserve. Our goal is to create an experience that honors the many stories connected to this landscape while inspiring future generations to value and protect the places that make the Lowcountry unique.”
The Angel Oak is the first tree in South Carolina to be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and one of only four sites on Johns Island recognized on the registry. The designation elevates the landmark’s importance to a national stage while creating new opportunities to share its stories with residents and visitors. For generations, people have gathered beneath the Angel Oak’s sprawling canopy for learning, recreation, reflection, and community. The designation affirms that the site is an historic treasure and a place that reflects the broader American experience.
“The Angel Oak has been a beloved part of the Lowcountry for centuries and is one of the most iconic places in our region,” said Charleston Mayor William S. Cogswell, Jr. “This tree is a living piece of American history, and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places is well deserved. I encourage everyone to visit, learn about its history, and appreciate the significance it holds.”
The designation provides formal recognition of the site’s historical importance and may support future conservation and educational opportunities by providing access to grants, preservation incentives, and technical assistance. While the National Register listing formally recognizes the site’s significance, it does not protect historic places from change or development. The long-term future of the Angel Oak and its surrounding forest is secured through the stewardship of the City of Charleston and Lowcountry Land Trust, whose partnership permanently protects the tree and the surrounding 44-acre landscape for future generations.
“The National Register of Historic Places recognizes places that help tell the story of our nation,” said Virginia Harness, architectural historian and National Register co-coordinator with the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. “The Angel Oak’s listing acknowledges the generations of people connected to this site and highlights its importance as a centerpiece of local culture and history. This recognition helps raise awareness of the site’s significance and encourages continued stewardship for future generations.”
As Charleston and Johns Island continue to grow, local leaders hope the designation serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting places that connect communities to their history and identity. For residents, the designation offers new opportunities to learn about a landmark many have known their entire lives. For visitors from across the country and around the world, it reinforces the Angel Oak’s status as more than a natural wonder. It is a nationally significant historic place whose stories continue to shape and inspire today.
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ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST
Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the region’s overall resilience and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 165,000 acres since 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful land trusts in the state and across the country. Its work includes the stewardship of privately owned land and iconic public places, such as the future Angel Oak Preserve—a 44-acre immersive park and living museum in partnership with the City of Charleston. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org
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