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All the United States Missouri Columbia McBaine Bur Oak

McBaine Bur Oak

This majestic tree has survived 400 years of storms, droughts, and floods, and is a beloved natural landmark in Missouri.

Columbia, Missouri

Added By
Asher Ferguson
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The Great Burr Oak.   Heath Cajandig
The Great Burr Oak.   Heath Cajandig
Giant tree with my Mini car.   herrbesserwisser / Atlas Obscura User
Up   herrbesserwisser / Atlas Obscura User
Spring 2017   Fred37 / Atlas Obscura User
Great Burr Oak in winter.   Heath Cajandig
Great Burr Oak in fall.   Heath Cajandig
Placard for the tree   maibyers / Atlas Obscura User
McBaine Burr Oak   lauf33 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Near Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area stands mid-Missouri's greatest natural landmark. The stalwart tree has withstood centuries of storms, droughts, floods, and vandalism.

As the largest burr oak in Missouri, the tree is tied with another in Kentucky for the title of national champion (largest) burr oak tree. It would take four full-grown men to be able to wrap their arms completely around the trunk, which boasts an impressive 287-inch circumference. A huge gathering of picnickers could relax in the shade under the 90-foot-tall tree's 130-foot spread.

The tree is estimated to be between 380 and 400 years old, which means it’s older than all but the very first few European settlements in North America and has witnessed centuries of United States history. Lewis and Clark even passed by the tree on their journey up the Missouri River.

This tree is nothing if not resilient. As the only tree for 1,000 feet in any direction, it has survived multiple lightning strikes. In 1993, floodwaters swallowed the land and rose to six feet above the ground. On other years, droughts have threatened to parch the behemoth plant.

The tree has also sadly been the victim of vandalism, but efforts are being made to prevent further damage to the iconic oak. Because the tree is so old, scientists have tried to examine its genetic material to help prolong its life.

Related Tags

Trees Flora Plants Nature

Know Before You Go

From downtown Columbia, take Providence Road south until it turns into Route K. Follow Route K until it turns into Burr Oak road, then take Burr Oak Road until the tree is on your right.

Community Contributors

Added By

aferguson22

Edited By

sarahlsrose, maibyers, Kerry Wolfe, herrbesserwisser...

  • sarahlsrose
  • maibyers
  • Kerry Wolfe
  • herrbesserwisser
  • Fred37
  • lauf33
  • deanlooney

Published

April 5, 2018

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Sources
  • https://www.columbiamissourian.com/archives/como-you-know-mcbaine-bur-oak-tree/article_69033a2f-1776-5303-a429-c57650447b58.html
  • http://www.columbiatribune.com/8608ed7a-3c01-11e3-848f-10604b9f6eda.html
McBaine Bur Oak
Burr Oak Rd
Columbia, Missouri
United States
38.899249, -92.464553
Get Directions

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Columbia

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Missouri

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