Any known history about this old tree on Salado Creek Greenway?

For years, riders and walkers have veered off the Salado Creek Greenway next to the LBJ Park's trailhead to gaze at a massive live oak that some have said could be as old as 500 years. It's just off the trail a few feet from where the Morningstar Boardwalk begins next to Nacogdoches—historically known as the Camino Real that linked Mission San Antonio de Valero (Alamo) to the missions of East Texas.

An unpaved trail leads to the tree from mile marker 4.5 that is surrounded by large rocks. Due to recent rain, the trail has substantial growth of weeds on both sides. Anyone using the trail must be on the lookout for snakes, ticks, and chiggers. 2021 is a bonanza year for these critters.

The 4.5 miles (7 km) represents the distance to where the trail ends at Holbrook Road, located south of this area.

Does anyone know any history of this tree?

We are reaching out to solicit anyone who may know the history of this tree. We can envision that travelers along the Camino Real may have stopped here to camp out. If could have been a meeting place for the Republic of Texas troops—who knows. If you know of any information, click our Twitter link below.