Apalachicola in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Live Oak Tree

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 17, 2025

1. The Live Oak Tree Marker

Inscription. The live oak tree creates the character of Lafayette Park. These 100 to 300 year old trees were, in times past, of tremendous value as naval stores. Timber from the arching branches of these trees was ideal for use as ribs and keels in ship construction. The “Old Ironsides” was constructed from oaks like these and it was found, in the War of 1812, that cannon balls bounced off the ship and did not penetrate. The federal government protected these trees and the first federal forrest preserve was established as a live oak preserve near Pensacola. The first federal forester was stationed there to manage, guard and observe these oaks.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Military. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list.

Location. 29° 43.109′ N, 84° 59.326′ W. Memorial is in Apalachicola, Florida, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Avenue B and Avenue B, on the right when traveling south on Avenue B. The marker is located within Lafayette Park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near

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this postal address: 169 Avenue B, Apalachicola FL 32320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chestnut Street Cemetery of Early Apalachicola (approx. half a mile away); Apalachicola’s Early History (approx. half a mile away); Birthplace of Air Conditioning. (approx. half a mile away); The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House (approx. half a mile away); Dr. John Gorrie (approx. half a mile away); Trinity Episcopal Church (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House (approx.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 17, 2025

2. The Live Oak Tree Marker

half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apalachicola.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Gorrie Square (was approx. half a mile away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. The Live Oak Tree: A Naval Icon. (Submitted on July 16, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. USS Constitution and the Legacy of Live Oak. (Submitted on July 16, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 16, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.