Researchers from Hillsdale University, Purdue University, and Hanover College speculate that the oak became entombed by a glacier during the last ice age. Radiocarbon tests that can pinpoint the exact age of the tree are still pending. However, scientists estimate that the oak was about 300 years old when it was felled.

A local lumber mill owner has treated some of the wood from the tree and says that if can be preserved, furniture made from the oak could bring top dollar. Some of the wood will be slowly dried out in kilns and other pieces will be soaked in a 180-degree vat of liquid and then shaved into veneer.

Operators at the gravel pit believe that there are more trees to be found.

?EUR??,,????'??There?EUR??,,????'???s more down there, but you never really know what?EUR??,,????'???s there ?EUR??,,????'??til you pull it up,?EUR??,,????'?? said Eugene Meeks, the dredge operator who discovered the tree.