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

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.

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.

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.

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.

There's no doubt about it -- Austin is full of incredible stories. Treaty Oak Address: 507 Baylor Street, Austin, TX 78703.