Treaty Oak Park, Jacksonville

The majestic Treaty Oak, with its octopus-like branches that reach out like embracing arms, has gracefully stood the test of time for an estimated 250 years. In fact, it may very well be the single oldest living entity in the city of Jacksonville, predating even the city's founding by Isaiah Hart in the 1820s.

The name "Treaty Oak" carries with it an air of mystery and history, intertwined with local legends and the city's narrative. The origins of the name are often linked to tales of peace accords signed beneath its sprawling branches between Native Americans, Spanish settlers, or American pioneers. However, the true genesis of the name is a bit more unconventional.

In reality, the name "Treaty Oak" was coined by Pat Moran, a journalist for the Florida Times-Union, in a valiant attempt to safeguard the tree from the encroachment of developers in the early 1930s. Recognizing the significance of this ancient giant, Moran penned an article claiming that a historic treaty had been signed beneath its limbs by native Floridians and early settlers. This act of creative preservation transformed the tree's name from the simple moniker "Giant Oak" to the evocative and captivating "Treaty Oak."

This venerable tree is more than just a name; it's a living monument to endurance and natural wonder. Its mighty trunk boasts a circumference of over 25 feet, while its branches rise to reach a height of 70 feet. These sprawling limbs extend over a staggering 145 feet, creating a captivating crown that appears to bow to the ground before gracefully curling back upwards.