Big Oak and Big Oak Cam

A must for every visitor is a stop at Thomasville's oldest and most cherished natural landmark, The Big Oak. This massive Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) grew from a tiny acorn beginning around 1685 and is one of the original members (#49) of the Live Oak Society, enrolled in 1936. Now over 337 years old, the Big Oak has a limb span of over 165 feet and a trunk circumference of over 26 feet! President Eisenhower was so impressed with the Big Oak that he personally photographed it during one of his frequent visits to Thomasville. Interestingly, the fern that grows along its branches does not hurt the tree and is called the 'resurrection' fern because it appears dead until a rain causes it to turn immediately to a lush green.

A perfect addition to your photo album of your trip to Thomasville is a picture of you with the majestic Big Oak taken by the Big Oak Cam. Your picture will be loaded to the Internet for viewing, downloading and emailing to friends and family!

Use of the Big Oak Gazebo is free but reservations are required. While at the Big Oak, you can activate the camera by calling (229) 236-0053. Pictures can be found online here.