OKATIE CORNERS LIVE OAK

This tree grows at the intersection of Highways 170 and 278 in Bluffton, SC. This intersection is by far the busiest crossroad in the region. The tree standing sentinel over it has been witness to early Beaufort County history.

The Yemassee Indians who populated the area up until the 1700’s had at their peak, established ten towns in the surrounding area with over 1200 residents. They utilized a path that was marked by the even then massive oak which created the first access to the original fording site which carried their peoples to Hilton Head Island and beyond. One of the intersecting roads, State Highway 278 is now named Fording Island Road.

When the beginning of what would become our road system today was in infancy, the area around this tree was the end of what was considered the better quality roads and was for a time known as “Lands’ End”. Youngsters would flock to sit in the shade of the massive oak on Election Day to get a glimpse of the Sheriff who would drive into town in one the only motor cars of the day.