What an unusual and neat piece of Austin and Texas history! This nicely framed original slice of wood from the Treaty Oak commemorates the efforts to save the tree. The certificate is numbered as well as being signed by then Mayor of Austin, Bruce Todd and the Austin City Forester John Giedraitis.
The Treaty Oak is a Texas Live Oak tree located in Austin, Texas. The tree was part of 14 Council Oak trees in the grove where meetings took place between members of the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes and Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas. Treaty Oak is the last remaining tree of the Council Oaks and was entered into the National Forestry's Hall of Fame in 1927 as the most perfect example of a North American tree.
The Treaty Oak made international news in 1989 when a full-scale effort began to save the landmark tree after it was maliciously poisoned by a strong herbicide. The tree, estimated to be 350 to 500 years old was initially saved, although it did lose one large limb. Parts of the tree taken from that lost limb where used by the city of Austin to generate funds to plant new trees and raise awareness throughout the Austin area. Slivers of the lost tree limb were framed with the story of the tree on a certificate of authenticity.
Frame measures approx. 12.25” wide x 10.25” tall.
The piece is in excellent vintage condition.
Please view the photos, as they are a part of the item description and condition. (Natural lighting has cast shadows in some retail of our photos.)
Several articles, including the New York Times, Houston and Dallas newspapers, were published about the Treaty Oak. We have reproductions of those articles acquired from the collections of The Austin History Center which we will include.
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Product code: Austin Texas Historical Treaty Oak with Certificate retail Of Authenticity, framed piece history, HTF