The Liberty Oak in Harbour Town
The live oak at the heart of Harbour Town, more than 300 years old, where Gregg Russell has played since the 1970s.
The Liberty Oak is the great live oak at the center of Harbour Town, on the edge of the yacht basin with the lighthouse in view. Rows of low benches fan out under its branches, because this is where Gregg Russell has sung to families on summer nights since the 1970s. You will often see it called the Liberty Oaks, but it is one tree.
How Old Is the Liberty Oak?
More than 300 years old. The Sea Pines Resort puts it at about 325; other local accounts say older. It stands about 55 feet tall, spreads about 90 feet across, and is estimated to weigh 38 tons. The limbs reach out almost level before they rise, which is what makes it such a good roof for a crowd.
The Harbour That Was Redrawn for a Tree
When Harbour Town was planned in the late 1960s, the yacht basin was drawn as a circle. The oak stood in the way. Charles Fraser, who founded Sea Pines and built it around its landscape rather than over it, insisted the tree stay, and the basin was redesigned at real expense. That is why the harbour is not quite round.
Charles Fraser’s Grave and Memorial
Fraser died in 2002 and is buried beside the Liberty Oak. A bronze bust and a plaque mark the spot under the branches. It is easy to walk past on a busy evening; look for it at the foot of the tree.
Concerts and Events Under the Liberty Oak
Gregg Russell’s free concerts are the tree’s main job: summer weeknights, a short spring run and a couple of holiday shows, with children crowded at the front and parents on the benches behind. The resort also uses the stage under the oak for its own events, such as the Halloween costume show, and the lawn beside it hosts the Shrimp Festival each September. Dates for all of these are on our Sea Pines events page.
Weddings at the Liberty Oak
The tree is also one of the resort’s ceremony sites, for up to 200 guests, booked through The Sea Pines Resort’s events team at (843) 842-1495. For the reception, the Champions Ballroom at the Harbour Town Clubhouse is a short walk away; our Sea Pines weddings guide has the other venues.
Getting There
Harbour Town is at the south end of Sea Pines, behind a gate. Unless you own property there, are a resort guest or have a Sea Pines rental booking, the gate fee is $10 per day for a standard vehicle. Park in the Harbour Town lot and walk toward the water; the oak is between the shops and the yacht basin, and you cannot miss it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town?
More than 300 years old. The Sea Pines Resort puts its age at about 325 years.
Where is the Liberty Oak?
In Harbour Town, inside Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, beside the yacht basin at 147 Lighthouse Road.
Who is buried under the Liberty Oak?
Charles Fraser, the founder of Sea Pines, who died in 2002. A bust and a plaque mark his grave beside the tree.
Why is the Harbour Town yacht basin not round?
It was planned as a circle, and redesigned so the Liberty Oak would not have to be cut down.
Can you get married under the Liberty Oak?
Yes. The Sea Pines Resort books ceremonies there for up to 200 guests, through its events team at (843) 842-1495.
Local guides like this come standard for Guests of Partner Properties — one small part of what a Partner Property gives every guest.
Book Partner Properties