Stephen F. Austin Oak TreeHistorical Marker

HISTORY OF THE TREE
Courtesy of
Famous Trees Of Texas
Texas Forestry Service

This tree is the only survivor of a group of live oaks known as the "Council Oaks"
 under which Stephen F. Austin, the "father" of Texas, is reputed to have signed the first
boundary-line between the Indians and the whites.
An imaginary line running north and south through the heart of this group of oaks
divided the territory and remained inviolate for years.
A vandal poisoned the tree in 1989
Severe damage resulted and it is not known how much longer this centuries old tree will live.
The man was apprehended, found guilty, and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
The tree received worldwide fame as a result of media coverage of this horrendous act.

Tree and Marker are located on West side of Ector County Courthouse Annex on East 8th Street
This tree in Odessa TX came from the original in Austin Texas.

Ector County Judge Caddell (4th from left) with

members of Ector County Historical Commission pictured after Marker and Tree Dedication

 

Treaty Oak
503 Baylor Street, 78703
Open to the public at all times

This once beautiful 600 year old tree was poisoned in 1989, despite extensive efforts to save the tree, only a portion still remains.

According to Austin legend the treaty signed with the Indians, by Stephen F. Austin, was signed under this tree.  In 1939 the tree was almost destroyed to make way for land development.  The residents of Austin raised $1000 and purchased the tree.  The little park surrounding the Treaty Oak has a nice park bench to sit on.

A plaque located at the entrance to the park area reads:

"The Caldwell Treaty Oak Park.  Estimated to have been a majestic tree of about 100 years when Columbus first landed on North America shores, this live oak tree has been pronounced the most perfect specimen of a tree in North America, and it's picture hangs in the Hall of Fame of Forestry at Washington.  Formerly standing as the center of a group of trees called 'The Council Oaks' this tree takes its name from its role in the history of the Lone Star State.  Stephen F. Austin is reputed to have signed the first boundary line agreement between Indians and whites under the canopy of its branches; battles and important conferences have been planned, pacts signed, and feasts and religious ceremonies celebrated in its shade.  The Treaty Oak was purchased by the City of Austin in 1957 to stand as a living and fitting symbol of the mighty state it has watched develop."