Near Breckenridge in Stephens County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Half-Way Oak

Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 3, 2019

1. Half-Way Oak Marker

Inscription. The Half-Way Oak has been a popular rest stop providing shade and comfort for those traveling on foot, horseback, wagons and automobiles for 200 years. The live oak tree got its name from its location half-way between Breckenridge and the towns of Cisco, Eastland and Ranger as well as a mid-way point for the original passage from Stephenville to Fort Griffin. The Half-Way Oak was one of only two trees used as landmarks in an 1858 map of Stephens County. The tree measures 69 inches in diameter and has a circumference of 18 feet. The Half-Way Oak was set to be removed in the mid 1970s to widen U.S. 183, but residents of Breckenridge refused to allow the tree to be harmed. Ice storms have broken huge limbs and telephone lines were placed through the top of it. One motorist died by crashing into the tree. In 1980, the tree was accidentally sprayed with an herbicide and lost all its leaves and it survived. On Arbor Day, 2011, Texas Forest Service designated the Half-Way Oak as a Famous Tree of Texas. We hope the tree can continue to be a beacon for weary travelers for many years to come.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 32° 33.796′ N, 98° 53.582′ W. Marker is near Breckenridge, Texas, in Stephens County. It can be reached from U.S. 183 near County Road 160, on the right when traveling north. At a rest stop on the side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Breckenridge TX 76424, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

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the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gunsight Community (approx. 1.9 miles away); Wayland School (approx. 4.9 miles away); Parks Camp (approx. 7 miles away); Mount Zion Cemetery (approx. 11.1 miles away); Last Mob Lynching in the State of Texas (approx. 11.9 miles away); The Townsend Bell (approx. 11.9 miles away); Connellee - Majestic Theatre (approx. 11.9 miles away); Old Rip (approx. 11.9 miles away).

Also see . . . Half-Way Oak. Famous Trees of Texas (Submitted on February 8, 2019.)

Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 3, 2019

2. Half-Way Oak Marker

Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 3, 2019

3. Half-Way Oak Marker

Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 3, 2019

4. Half-Way Oak Marker

Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 3, 2019

5. Half-Way Oak Marker

Photographed by Kayla Harper, February 3, 2019

6. Half-Way Oak Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2019, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 7, 2019, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.