A Tarrant County Comanche Marker Tree

Post Oak, Quercus stellata

The Story

A Post Oak located in Tarrant County; Texas was determined to have been bent by the Comanche at least 150 years ago. Since being bent, this resilient Post Oak has survived two lightning strikes with one being on one of its three upright trunks. It also survived and witnessed the development of the surrounding properties.

The Post Oak is one of the more common tree species used as Comanche Marker Trees in Texas. Known for their slow growth, they are also known for outliving many native tree species in Texas. The longevity of a tree species may have been an important attribute when selecting a marker tree.

The shape of the tree is very similar to others previously recognized as official Comanche Marker Trees. The shape of a tree often provides credibility for a potential marker tree under investigation, though many additional criteria must also be met.   

Official Recognition

This Tarrant County Comanche Marker Tree was formally recognized by the Comanche Nation in 2019, however, due to COVID and other unforeseen circumstances, the tree dedication ceremony honoring the recognition of the tree wasn’t held until November 3, 2023. A framed Comanche Marker Tree Certificate was presented to the property owner during the ceremony.

Preservation

The owner and their family have long felt this bent Post Oak was a significant tree. They appreciate and understand the tree’s historical and cultural value to the Comanche Nation, its people, and their heritage. As the honored steward of the tree, the owner is dedicated to protecting and preserving the Tarrant County Comanche Marker Tree so that future generations may also know it.

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