Avery Island in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The Cleveland Oak
Grover Cleveland
June 6, 2018
1. The Cleveland Oak Marker
Inscription.
The Cleveland Oak was named for Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), the two-term U.S. President (1885-1889 and 1893-1897). Cleveland was a close friend of Joe Jefferson (1829-1905), the actor of Rip Van Winkle fame who owned nearby Jefferson Island. In 1891, Cleveland came to south Louisiana to stay with Jefferson and at that time visited Avery Island. Cleveland had two oaks named after him during that sojourn, one on Jefferson Island and this one on Avery Island. McIlhenny family tradition states that Cleveland hugged these trees, thus explaining why they were named in his honor. The Cleveland Oak on Avery Island is about 23 feet in circumference and over 300 years old.
The Cleveland Oak was named for Grover Cleveland
(1837-1908), the two-term U.S. President (1885-1889 and
1893-1897). Cleveland was a close friend of Joe Jefferson
(1829-1905), the actor of Rip Van Winkle fame who owned
nearby Jefferson Island. In 1891, Cleveland came to south
Louisiana to stay with Jefferson and at that time visited Avery
Island. Cleveland had two oaks named after him during
that sojourn, one on Jefferson Island and this one on Avery
Island. McIlhenny family tradition states that Cleveland
hugged these trees, thus explaining why they were named
in his honor. The Cleveland Oak on Avery Island is about
23 feet in circumference and over 300 years old. (Marker Number 6.)
Location. 29° 54.42′ N, 91° 55.082′ W. Marker is on Avery Island, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. Marker is on Jungle Garden Road near Avery Island Road/Main Road. Stop 6 on the Jungle Garden self driving tour. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Avery Island LA 70513, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2018.
