Until it was killed by lightening in 1976 it was the Oldest known Bald Cypress in the United States, and the largest tree east of the Mississippi River.  It is estimated that this magnificant tree was at one time about 400 feet tall and about 122 feet tall when the lightening bolt hit it, shortening it to about 50 feet.

The tall tree stood near the Middle Fork of Obion River, on land owned by Eli Tillman who donated the tree with 12 acres of land to the State of Tennessee in 1965. After his death, the State purchased his 271 acre farm.  In 1973 the Tennessee Legislature named this site the "Tillman" Big Cypress Tree Natural Area. Every year in the Fall a big festival is held to honor this wonderful old tree, a true wonder of Mother nature. 

More photos of the tree

The black and white taken 1965- color one 1982
submitted by Jerry Drewry

CYPRESS TREE 1
CYPRESS TREE 2
CYPRESS TREE 3
CYPRESS TREE 4
CYPRESS TREE 6
CYPRESS TREE 7
CYPRESS TREE 8 - - Bridge over Obion River by Big Tree
CYPRESS TREE 9 
CYPRESS TREE 10 
CYPRESS TREE 11
CYPRESS TREE 12