Treaty Oak

Overview

Treaty Oak is a 500-year-old Southern live oak tree in downtown Austin, once the most significant tree in the state. The lone survivor of a grove of 14 "Council Oaks," it stands as a living monument to Austin's history.

Highlights

• 500 Years Old: One of the oldest trees in the region, estimated to have germinated around 1500 CE.
• Massive Canopy: Despite poisoning damage, the tree's remaining limbs span over 30 meters.
• Resilience Symbol: The tree survived a deliberate poisoning in 1989 and became a symbol of community care.

History

The Council Oaks were sacred to indigenous Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. In 1989, a disturbed individual poured herbicide around the tree, killing roughly two-thirds of it. Ross Perot funded its treatment, and DuPont donated experimental chemicals. The tree's survival made national news.

Visitor Tips

• Brief but meaningful — read the informational plaque for the full story.
• Combine with a downtown walk — the tree is near Shoal Creek and the library.
• Duration: 10–20 minutes.