Owensboro, Kentucky -
World's Largest Sassafras Tree

Saved from the bulldozers by a local lady with a shotgun.

Address:: Frederica St., Owensboro, KY
Directions:: At the southwest corner of Frederica St./US Hwy 431 and Maple Ave.

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Visitor Tips and News About World's Largest Sassafras Tree

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World's Largest Sassafras Tree

With a circumference of 21 feet, the world's largest sassafras tree is thought to be between 250 and 300 years old. The tree measures over 100 feet tall. A few other sassafras trees are 60 feet or taller, but the average sassafras is 30 to 50 feet tall.

The champion sassafras was threatened by the widening of a highway in 1957. But when the bulldozers came, owner Grace Rash was waiting with her shotgun. She held them off at gunpoint until a call to the governor resulted in the building of a retaining wall to protect the tree. [Amy Murphy, 04/09/2007]

World's Largest Sassafras Tree

On the main street (Frederica) of town, there is the largest known sassafras tree in the world. It's thought to be between 250-300 years old. [Sally Brannen, 11/12/2005]

World's Largest Sassafras Tree

Owensboro is the home of the World's largest living sassafras tree. A simple marker tells the story. [Laura, 07/22/2003]

Nearby Offbeat Places

The Thinker Statue, Owensboro, KY - < 1 mi.
Statue of Gabe, Owensboro, KY - 1 mi.
Burgoo Pot - BBQ kettle, Owensboro, KY - 2 mi.
In the region: Yard Full of Model Airplanes, Elberfeld, IN - 34 mi.

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February 6, 2012