A historic tree is a tree, or grove of trees, that is at least 50 years old and is associated with a significant event(s) in a specific place in time. This broad definition helps identify the types of trees we seek to recognize without placing unnecessary limitations on what may be considered historically significant.
What is considered “significant” can vary depending on perspective. The Texas Historic Tree Coalition may consult historians, anthropologists and other subject-matter experts when evaluating a tree’s historical significance. Credible historical reference materials should be provided, and historical claims should be corroborated by reputable sources before TxHTC can pursue further investigation.
A tree’s size, age, rarity, cultural importance, or a compelling documented story may also contribute to its significance.
The Historic Tree Registry is a program set up to identify and honor historic trees in Texas. Historic tree nomination forms are available in the Trees drop-down menu above or through the Historic Tree Nomination Form link.
An example of a Historic Tree Certificate:
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The Lone Oak Historic Tree sits alone today beside US Highway 90/183 on the outskirts of Luling in southern Caldwell County. The known story of the big live oak starts in the mid-1850s when the first settlers in the area decided to make a burial ground in the shade of its tall and wide branches. …Read More
The Old Caddo Oak sits atop Kennedale Mountain Bluff in the East Cross Timbers ecoregion of North Central Texas. The bluff overlooks a section of the fertile Village Creek valley which contains evidence of human activity over the past 9,000 years. Village Creek feeds Lake Arlington and runs along the northwest boundary of Arlington to …Read More
In the 1880s, the land in Montgomery County was heavily wooded with a mix of pine and hardwood trees. With nearby Houston growing rapidly, the lumber industry established the town of Conroe to harvest the rich timberlands and ship the lumber to the city’s builders. A young, energetic entrepreneur named James McDade came to Conroe …Read More
As post oaks are prone to rapid decline in disturbed or developed habitats, the Three Sisters of Montrose at Magnolia Cemetery of Houston stand out as survivors of harsh abuse. Originally in a pastoral setting on the south side of Buffalo Bayou, these post oaks have witnessed the founding of Magnolia Cemetery, the incursion of …Read More
Flo, a popular Pecan tree at Barton Springs Pool in Austin had a way of standing out to park visitors. She had a graceful and yet peculiar way of leaning over the pool. This lean, chronicled in the photos below, became more and more exaggerated over time. Flo was the subject of many photographers and …Read More
The land that would eventually become Ferris Plaza was first designated special use park land in 1918. It sits on prime real-estate in downtown Dallas between Young Street and Wood Street surrounded by Dallas Union Station and the home of the Dallas Morning News. This plaza was part of George Kessler’s master plan for Dallas. …Read More
Trees are often consigned to the background of our memories as part of the scenery or as part of the proverbial ‘forest’. This is particularly true in a park setting where much of the green space’s agency is ascribed to the park patrons and how they choose to use the space. But no matter how …Read More
The Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove sits on a site of periodic human occupation for several thousand years. The Grove of more than 50 mature Texas Live Oaks is overlooked by Comanche Peak, which sits about one and a half miles to the east. Situated in the Cross Timbers ecoregion of North Central Texas, the …Read More
The Singing Trees stand behind The Inn on the River in Glen Rose, Somervell County, 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 …Read More
The West Dallas Gateway Pecan has served for over 175 years as the gateway to West Dallas, sitting today at the west end of the Commerce Street bridge across the Trinity River channel from downtown Dallas. Located on the south side of the intersection with Beckley Avenue, the tree has progressed from seeing the last …Read More