Treaty Oak

The “Treaty Oak” live oak tree in Austin is believed to be 500 years old. It is the lone survivor of the famous group of “Council Oaks.” It was here that empresario Stephen F. Austin is said to have signed the first boundry-line agreement between the Native Americans and the Anglo settlers.

Long before white settlement, Tejas, Apache and Comanche tribes revered the tree. Indian maidens would brew a “love tea” from the tender live oak leaves, believing that if they drank the tea while gazing at a full moon, their lovers would be true forever. If this ritual was performed while the tribe was at war, the warriors would safely return.    

AmericanForest.org has grown trees from the acorns of this “Treaty Oak” and the Martin Wells Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) will dedicate a newly planted young “Treaty Oak” on National Arbor Day at the Chisholm Trail Crossing Park. Emsud Horozovic, City Forestry Manager, will be the featured speaker.

This tree is planted in honor of the 175 Anniversary of Texas Independence. The Republic of Texas was created on April 21, 1836, when Sam Houston's Texian Army defeated Santa Anna's Mexican Army on Buffalo Bayou in present day Houston. Ladies with ancestors who arrived in the Republic of Texas, prior to Feb. 19, 1846, are eligible for membership in DRT.