 The Mingo Oak was the largest specimen of these giant white oaks that dotted the old @-@ growth forests of pre @-@ settlement West Virginia . The tree was found to be the largest living white oak in the United States , and in the world , following a survey of white oaks throughout the country . The Mingo Oak 's nearest competition was a tree that was identified in Stony Brook on Long Island with a larger circumference , but a shorter height of 86 feet ( 26 m ) . 
