Posted in Austin May 06, 2019 by

There’s No Other Historical Landmark In Austin Quite Like This 500-Year-Old Tree

As you drive along Baylor Street, you may notice an unassuming tree surrounded by a chain link fence. Well, it may not look like much now, but this resilient tree has been in the middle of some fascinating historical events. The stories are full of intrigue and mystery. There’s no other historical landmark in Austin quite like this 500-year-old tree.

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The Treaty Oak is the last remaining tree from the sacred grove of Council Oaks.
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
It is believed this tree was the site of a famous peace treaty between Stephen F. Austin and the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes in 1824.
This tree has always had a special appeal.
David M/TripAdvisor
According to legend, Native Americans brewed tea from the Treaty Oak's leaves and acorns in order to promote peacetime in war. It is also believed that Sam Houston luxuriated under its branches and contemplated his future after being removed as governor in 1860.
Despite its rich history, the city of Austin threatened to chop it down in the 1920s.
Stephen W./Foursquare
Thankfully, a local woman named Mrs. W.C. Stoner wrote a passionate plea to save it. Thanks to her beautiful words, the American Forestry Association named The Treaty Oak a historic tree in 1927.
At one time, The Treaty Oak's branches stretched 127 feet across. But an unfortunate incident has dwarfed its original grandeur.
Andy F./Foursquare
In 1989, Austinites noticed the tree wasn't looking so good. Its branches were sagging and it wasn't producing acorns any more. Upon further investigation, it was determined the tree had been covered in gallons of Valpar poison. Locals finally found the perpetrator, a crazed Austinite who claimed to have poisoned the tree in order to "cast a spell." Thankfully, however, the city of Austin rallied around this tree to save it. People held prayer vigils and wrote get well cards. The positive vibes must have worked, because the tree is now recovering and producing acorns again.
No matter what life throws its way, this 500-year-old tree will stand as a symbol of Texas strength.
Danu A./Foursquare
There's no doubt about it -- Austin is full of incredible stories. Treaty Oak Address: 507 Baylor Street, Austin, TX 78703.

Want to dive deeper into Austin’s history? These 10 Austin then and now photos show just how much the city has changed.