BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – To the disliking of some Lowcountry residents, the historic “Cainhoy Meeting Tree” was officially cut down Tuesday to make way for Berkeley County’s Clements Ferry Road widening project.
The tree’s removal comes after months of protests from conservation activists and nearby residents like Sammy Sanders, whose property at the intersection of Cainhoy Road and Clements Ferry Road sat between the tree.
“I’m very overwhelmed right now and need some time to heal,” Sanders said following the tree’s removal, which a little over four hours to cut down.
A Change.org page to save the old tree also attracted more than 4,400 signatures – but in the end the protests and the online petitions proved useless.
Sanders event tried to save the tree by making a temporary home in it since November. Earlier this week, however, deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office forced him out of the tree for good.
“Police won’t let me get back up. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay in the tree,” he said on the Save The Meeting Tree’s Facebook page. “I couldn’t take the chance of someone getting hurt and I am unable to disobey the police, I wanted to stay in the tree but it is better that no one was put in danger taking me out of the tree.”
Following the tree’s removal, the Coastal Conservation League expressed its unhappiness with the tree’s removal but thanked everyone who supported the preservation of the historic oak, especially Sanders. In a statement, the organization wrote:
“It saddens us to share that the Meeting Tree has been removed. Thanks to everyone who made calls, sent emails, signed the petition and shared resources.
Of course, the biggest thanks goes to the most vigilant advocate of them all, Mr. Sammy Sanders, for organizing the community around the Meeting Tree – a source of history, culture and solace for many in our region.
Together, we must continue to advocate for the protection of our natural resources and quality of life.“
According to Sanders, the tree was a center of the Cainhoy/Wando/Huger African American community and “used as the community meeting spot as part of bringing their culture to this country.”
Meanwhile, the State Historic Preservation Office told WCBD-TV that it looked into the historical significance of the tree but found it did not play any major role to the community.
Sanders said he plans to donate the leftover wood from the Meeting Tree so that its remains are not wasted.
“I would ask that anyone wanting to get some to get with me before removing any,” he said via social media. “I want to make sure to have enough for hopefully to get some artists to make something to commemorate the Meeting Tree.”
Got social media? Like us on:
If you enjoy what you’re reading, please consider liking us on: Facebook, subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to also join our Facebook groups: Berkeley County, SC Residents: What’s On Your Mind?, Berkeley County Real Estate: Lots & Homes for Sale/Rent and Berkeley County, SC Jobs: Find a Job or Post a Job.
Psst!!! Got something to say and want to reach your neighbors? Not everyone is on social media. Check out our neighbor forum today and start a conversation. It’s easy! No registration/logging in is required to post. We’ll even amplify your forum post on Facebook to reach more people, too. [CLICK HERE TO START THE CONVO]
Recent Comments