Saturday, September 23, 2023, we will be celebrating two tree dedications southwest of Fort Worth. The first tree dedication is in Granbury at 10:00 a.m., followed by the second in Glen Rose at 2:00 p.m. As members of TxHTC, we invite you to help us celebrate the historic recognition of these trees.
Texas Historic Tree Coaltion
Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023, AT 10:00 A.M.
The Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove is on the private property of Karen and Steve Adams at 5110 Paluxy Highway, Granbury, Texas 76048.
Please join us on Saturday, September 23rd at 10:00 a.m. in Hood County at the Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove. The grove is located on an archaeological site two miles southwest of Comanche Peak. Prehistoric and historic artifacts indicate the occupation of this land over several thousand years.
Located among natural seeps along tributaries of the Paluxy River, the Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove is the descendant of many previous generations of Live Oaks on this site. The seeps made the grove attractive to hunters and farmers for several thousand years based on archaeological findings. The grove sits at the intersection of nineteenth-century trails leading west from Comanche Peak and southwest from Granbury, making it a natural meeting point for native tribes followed by the early settlers.
In the 1900s, the grove was converted to a ranch site supporting a farrier, smokehouse, agricultural repair, and ceramicist. The grove holds and makes living witness to quintessential Texas history, from the artifacts buried within its roots to the ranch built beneath its shade.
Glen Rose Singing Trees
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023, AT 2:00 P.M.
The Singing Trees are located behind the Inn on the River at 205 SW Barnard St, Glen Rose, Texas 76043.
Please join us on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in Somervell County for the historic tree dedication of the Glen Rose Singing Trees. The trees stand behind The Inn on the River in Glen Rose, Texas, overlooking the Paluxy River.
In addition to the river, there are several streams, as well as hundreds of natural springs and artesian wells. These water features drew buffalo to the area and the American Indians who hunted them. Their trails lead to a low-water crossing which the first settlers, traveling from the west side of the Brazos River followed. And in 1859, Charles Barnard, who had traveled this route, returned to the area and built the first store in what is now the town of Glen Rose.
By the late 1800s, Glen Rose was known for its natural springs and artesian wells water and it had become a bustling town as well as a desired location for doctors and sanitariums (health and recreation centers of the time). The most popular of which was the resort-style Snyder Sanitarium. During the 1950s, A.C. Solberg, a patient at the sanitarium was inspired by the Live Oaks to write the namesake song, “Singing Trees”, performed and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1967 for the movie Clambake.
Today, the Singing Trees reside on the grounds of the Inn on the River and have continued to witness celebratory events for generations of area residents. We hope you can join us when we recognize the trees on September 23rd. The Live Oaks are living witnesses to the rich history of Glen Rose, as well as the great state of Texas.