Old-growth forests in Congaree Swamp National Monument, South Carolina were surveyed to determine status of former state and national champion trees and to record size, topographic setting, and presence of conspecific saplings under the canopy of formerly known plus newly discovered big trees. Ninety-one big trees, including two previous champions, were measured. Of the 30 state champion trees listed in 1979 (including 9 national champions), only 2 were still alive by August 1995. Many apparently died before Hurricane Hugo struck in 1989. During the latest survey, 29 individuals (25 species) of state champion size, including 4 national champions (3 species), were found. Thirty-four of the measured trees were over 40 m tall; eight were over 48 m. Topographic positions were species-specific; however, most big trees occurred in broad, low flat areas or on the edges of sloughs. Few had conspecific saplings beneath their crowns.