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Village Craftsmen 
 170
Howard Street
PO Box
248
Ocracoke Island,
NC 27960
252-928-5541
info@villagecraftsmen.com
Ocracoke Newsletter
January 29, 2009
Live Oaks of Ocracoke, Part II
Last month we published an article about the majestic live oaks on Ocracoke Island. You can read that Newsletter here.
Because several readers have asked for directions to see the most
prominent of these trees we are offering the following information.
Six of Ocracoke's live oaks have been registered with the Live Oak Society
(#s 5908, 5916, 5917, 5918, 5919, & 5920). We believe that these
are the six largest live oaks on the island. Below, you can see photos
of these trees, read a description of each one, get directions, and
view & download maps that show you where they are located.
Please keep the following in mind:
- Three of these trees are on private property; two are
located in Springer's Point, a protected land trust; and one is located
on National Park land.
- Please respect the privacy of land owners and remain on public thoroughfares.
- On public land please abide by all rules, remain on
designated paths, and refrain from any activities that would damage the
trees or surrounding vegetation or wildlife. Thank you for your
consideration.
The William Howard Oak:
This is the largest live oak on Ocracoke Island, measuring 17' 0" in
girth, with a spread of about 57'. This tree is measured about three
feet from the ground, immediately below where the trunk splits into
five main branches. It resides on Howard Street and is named for the
island's last colonial owner, and quartermaster to Blackbeard the
pirate.
(Click on photo to see a larger image.)
Directions: From NC Highway 12 walk down Howard Street, a one-land
unpaved road, about 300'. On the right, about 50' from the lane,
against the wooden fence, in the yard of the small cottage, "58 on
Howard," you will see the William Howard Oak. (See Ocracoke Village
Map, below.)
Howard Street Sentinel:
Although this tree, the second largest live oak on the island, is
technically smaller than the William Howard Oak (it's girth, measured
at 4' above the ground is 13' 09"), it does not branch so close to the
ground, making its massive trunk more noticable. At about 63', it's
spread is larger than the William Howard Oak. For these reasons, and
the fact that it is so close to the lane, many people consider it a
more impressive tree. It also resides on Howard Street.
Directions: From the William Howard Oak walk about 200' down the lane.
Howard Street Sentinel grows on the left, just on the other side
of the wooden fence. It is nearly impossible to miss. (See Ocracoke
Village Map, below.)
The Mary Ruth Oak:
This impressive live oak also lives on Howard Street. Named after the
great-granddaughter of Captain George Gregory Howard (you can see his
large two story house with red trim and widow's walk nearby), this
tree measures 11' 02" in girth, with a spread of about 57'. It is the
fourth largest live oak on Ocracoke.
Directions: Continue down Howard Street about 100'. On your right, on a
small hill you will see this stately tree about 50' on the other side
of the fence. (See Ocracoke Village Map, below.)
Old Hammock Oak:
Old Hammock Oak is the third largest live oak on Ocracoke. It lives on
National Park Service land, measures 11' 10" in girth, and has a spread
of about 48'.
Directions: From the village drive north on NC Highway 12. From the
first bridge (Island Creek Bridge, just west of the campground) continue
about 7/10s of a mile. Park in the small gravel turn-out on the left
and walk into the wooded area and through the power company's
right-of-way. Walk to the right of the power pole, into the thicket and
to the right of a picturesque (but now dead) wind-sculpted cedar
(sometimes referred to as the Dancing Lady). Continue down the path. At
the fork, turn right and walk about 175 feet. You will see the Old
Hammock Oak in a small bend in the path. (See Old Hammock Map, below.)
Pilot Town Oak:
This large live oak is located off the path in the Springer's Point
Nature Preserve. It measures 10' around and has a large spread of about
60'. It is named for the island's first settlement, at one time located
nearby, a handful of seafaring men and their families who settled on
Ocracoke in the early 1700s. These sailors helped guide merchant
vessels through the narrow and twisting channels of Pamlico Sound.
Directions: Walk or bike down Lighthouse Road and onto Loop Road, to
the entrance of Springer's Point Nature Preserve. There is no parking
there or anywhere nearby. Please do not drive. You cannot park along
the road or on private property. Walk down the footpath until you
come to a live oak where the path has been widened. Normally a bird
feeder hangs from one of the branches, with a plastic bucket of bird
feed nearby, next to a bench. Stand to the left of this tree, and
walk slowly around the tree until you can see the low wall of the round
brick
cistern about 50' straight ahead. Stop and look to your left.
About 50' away, in the woods, you will see the Pilot Town Oak. (See
Springer's Point Map, below.)
Blackbeard's Oak:
Although Blackbeard's Oak has a girth of "only" 9' 02" making it the
sixth largest oak on the island, it is quite impressive because of the
very large branch that arches over the path at Springer's Point. It has
a spread of about 57' and is named for Ocracoke's most infamous
part-time resident.
Directions: From your vantage point near Pilot Town Oak, walk to the
fork in the path. Turn right and walk between the small graveyard and
the old brick cistern. Continue until you are almost to the sound
shore. You will pass directly beneath the large arching branch of this
very noticeable tree. (See Springer's Point Map, below.)
Ocracoke Village Map:
(Click on the map to see a larger image; then print the map to help you
locate the William Howard Oak, Howard Street Sentinel, & the Mary
Ruth Oak.)
Old Hammock Map:
(Click on the map to see a larger image; then print the map to help you locate Old Hammock Oak.)
Springer's Point Map:
(Click on the map to see a larger image; then print the map to help you locate Pilot Town Oak & Blackbeard's Oak.)
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