Featuring the legendary oak tree that saved the life of Prince Charles II, Royal Oak is a settlement located in Oakland County, Michigan. Its iconic tree now stands as a national monument, displayed proudly in the Eagle Plaza in the form of a marker housed in a repurposed shipping container.

The year was 1819 when a group of travelers led by General Cass left Detroit on horseback for the Saginaw Treaty. Along their journey, they stopped and rested beneath an impressive oak tree. As Cass regaled his entourage with stories of Prince Charles II, who had to hide in an English oak tree to escape capture, it is said that this moment inspired the name of the settlement that would later be known as Royal Oak.

The mighty oak tree became a national monument, and to this day is remembered as the Royal Oak that saved the life of the future King Charles II!

Located in Oakland County, Michigan, the marker can be found at 42° 29.249′ N, 83° 8.743′ W, just off of South Center Street and north of West Fourth Street. Eagle Plaza proudly exhibits the marker, which is housed in a repurposed shipping container and faces the railroad tracks. For those looking to visit the honoring landmark, Royal Oak MI 48067, United States of America is the nearest post office area. The marker commemorates the historic visit of King Charles II to the area. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of Royal Oak, Michigan. Visitors can learn more about this fascinating chapter in history by exploring the nearby Royal Oak Historical Society Museum, which offers exhibits and artifacts related to the life of King Charles II.

Within walking distance, visitors can find at least eight other markers – Royal Oak Post Office Tragedy (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line), Howard & Howard (about 600 feet away), Royal Oak Volunteer Fire Department (approx. 0.2 miles away), Royal Oak Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away), First Baptist Church of Royal Oak (approx. 0.3 miles away), Royal Oak Woman’s Club (approx. 0.3 miles away), Detroit Zoological Park (approx. 0.5 miles away) and The History of the Detroit Zoo (approx. 0.8 miles away).

Among these markers, the How Royal Oak Got Its Name Marker is a remarkable one. Captured by renowned photographer Joel Seewald on March 5th, 2023, this view looks towards the east and South Center Street. Additionally, the photo captured the shipping container with the marker and “the oak tree around the corner” in which Charles II is hiding.

The mighty oak tree that was home to General Cass and his entourage occupies a prominent place in Royal Oak’s history and culture. 1819 marked a special moment in time – when the Royal Oak was first christened, an event now commemorated with a plaque dedicated to Edward Southby’s protection and disguise of Charles II. Today, Eagle Plaza looks over Royal Oak, honoring the landmark known as “the hero tree” which still stands at South Center Street and North Fourth Street in Oakland County, Michigan. Thanks to Cass’ bravery in courageously rescuing the future King of England, the Royal Oak will forever be remembered.