Lafayette in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
St. John Cathedral Oak
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 11, 2014
1. St. John Cathedral Oak Marker
The tree, one of the largest live oak trees in the United States, is estimated to be almost 500 years old. It was a large tree in 1800 when the property was donated to the Catholic Church. The age of the tree is based on the average sizes of known age, a tree recorded in 1812 as a surveyor's section corner marker and growth rate calculated from cores removed from the tree.
The diameter of the trunk is nine feet two inches and the circumference is twenty eight feet nine inches. It stands 126 feet high with an average spread of 138 feet. The large limb extending in a southeasterly direction has been computed by engineering consultants to weigh 72 tons.
2011 Rev. Chester Arceneaux, Rector
Erected 2011.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 30° 13.391′ N, 92° 1.4′ W. Marker is in Lafayette, Louisiana, in Lafayette Parish. It can be reached from St John Street north of West Main Street, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in 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, Acadia, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, 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: The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist (within shouting distance of this marker); Cathedral-Carmel School (within shouting distance of this marker); General Alfred Mouton (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lafayette Museum / Le Musee de Lafayette (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gordon Square (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jean Jacques Alfred Mouton Monument
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 11, 2014
2. St. John Cathedral Oak
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2015. This page has been viewed 4,746 times since then and 316 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2015. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
