Treaty Oak - Austin, TX
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member DougK
N 30° 16.277 W 097° 45.340
14R E 619689 N 3349501
The Treaty Oak, a once-majestic Southern live oak, is the last surviving member of the Council Oaks, a grove of 14 trees that served as a sacred meeting place for Comanche and Tonkawa Tribes.
Waymark Code: WMG588
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/14/2013
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member lumbricus
Views: 12
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From the Texas Escapes website:

According to legend, this live oak stood as a witness to a treaty between Indians and the Anglo settlers. The man representing the settlers was reputed to be none other than the "Father of Texas" Stephen F. Austin himself. There has been no hard evidence that any such treaty took place - but it makes a good story - and it may have helped save the tree.

The tree had been one of many that were collectively known as "The Council Oaks". A imaginary line then ran through the cluster was supposed to be a boundary-line between Indians and settlers.

In 1927 it was proclaimed to be "The most perfect specimen of a North American tree" and was inducted into the American Forestry Association's Hall of Fame in Washington-on-the-Potomac.

The plaque on the monument in front reads:

THE
CALDWELL TREATY OAK PARK

   Estimated to have been a majestic tree of about 100
years when Columbus first landed on North American shores,
this live oak tree has been pronounced the most perfect
specimen of a tree in North America, and its 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 if 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
1937 to stand as a living and fitting symbol of the mighty
state it has watched develop.

507 Baylor St
Austin, TX

Directions:
Baylor between W 6th and W 5th St.

Price of Admission: 0.00 (listed in local currency)

Roadside Attractions Website: [Web Link]

Location Website: [Web Link]

Weekday Hours: Not listed

Weekend Hours: Not listed
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Recent Visits/Logs:
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WayBetterFinder visited Treaty Oak - Austin, TX 10/27/2019 WayBetterFinder visited it
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WalksfarTX visited Treaty Oak - Austin, TX 11/12/2006 WalksfarTX visited it

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