Treaty Oak

More than just another old tree, the once majestic Treaty Oak is the last survivor of the Council Oaks, a grove of fourteen trees serving as a temple and meeting place for area Commanches and Tonkowas.

Historical Significance of the Treaty Oak:

Legend has it that Stephen F. Austin signed a boundary treaty there with the local Indians in the 1800s. As Austin grew, the Council Oaks fell to encroaching development until only Treaty Oak remained. Finally in 1937 the City of Austin purchased the land and saved the last of the Council Oaks from destruction.

Recent History of the Treaty Oak:

In 1989 the Treaty Oak fell victim to vandalism. It was deliberately poisoned and very nearly destroyed completely. Less than half the tree remains today but it has shown signs of recovery in recent years and still stands as an important symbol of Texas.

Contact / Hours for Visiting the Treaty Oak:

Treaty Oak
Austin, Texas
512-440-5150 (Austin Parks & Recreation)
512-974-6718 (Ordering Treaty Oak Products)

Treaty Oak Park is on Baylor Street in between 5th and 6th Streets, just West of Lamar Blvd.
Hours: 5am-10pm

Profile of Treaty Oak:

For more history and additional information about the Treaty Oak, see this Famous or Historic Trees Treaty Oak Profile.

Downtown Austin Tour Stops:

Capitol

Capitol Visitors Center

Capitol Vistors Parking

State Archives

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Governor's Mansion

Congress Avenue

The 'Dillo

Paramount Theater

Symphony Square

Waterloo Park

Treaty Oak

Moonlight Towers