Beaman Oak facts for kids
The Beaman Oak was once the biggest white oak tree in the entire state of Massachusetts. Imagine a tree so huge it stood proudly in the front yard of a very old, three-story house in the town of Lancaster. This amazing tree was named after Gamaliel Beaman, who first settled that very spot way back in 1659.
The Beaman Oak became a really famous landmark in Central Massachusetts. It was so important that you can even see it featured on the town seal of West Boylston!
A Giant Among Trees
This incredible tree was truly enormous. In 1970, people measured the Beaman Oak to see just how big it was.
How Big Was It?
- Around its base, the tree measured 31 ft (9.4 m) around. That's like wrapping a measuring tape around a small car!
- Even 5 ft (1.5 m) up from the ground, its trunk was still 31 ft (9.4 m) around.
- The tree stood 75 ft (23 m) tall. That's as tall as a seven-story building!
- Its branches spread out 75 ft (23 m) wide, creating a huge shady area.
The End of a Landmark
Like all living things, the Beaman Oak eventually grew old. Towards the end of its long life, parts of its giant trunk became hollow inside.
In 1989, a big storm hit the area. The storm caused a lot of damage to the old tree. Because it was so badly hurt, the Beaman Oak had to be cut down. Even though it's no longer standing, the Beaman Oak is still remembered as a magnificent part of Massachusetts history.
