Alamo Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Live Oak Tree

Photographed By James Hulse, December 16, 2021

1. Live Oak Tree Marker

Inscription. In the early 1900s, it was widely thought that mature trees could not be transplanted. Walter Whall, a retired English seaman, proved it could be done and started San Antonio's first tree moving company. With simple tools, he cleared dirt from around a tree's roots, then lifted it from the ground with block and tackle. Whall transported trees throughout San Antonio on wagons pulled by mules. He contended that the hardest part of the process was avoiding the telegraph and power lines.

This Live Oak was approximately forty years old when Whall brought it to the Alamo in 1913. The base of the tree now measures twelve feet in circumference, while its branches sprawl over fifty feet.

Captions
Top: Whall poses with the Live Oak in 1913.
Bottom: Planting the Live Oak in 1913. The U.S. Courthouse and Post Office, since demolished, is visible in the background.

Erected by The Alamo Organization.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 29° 25.555′ N, 98° 29.178′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Alamo Plaza. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Alamo Plaza and East Houston Street

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. The marker and statue are located in the Alamo grounds near the north entrance to the walled compound. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ruins of the Habitations of the Friars and Indians (a few steps from this marker); Clara Driscoll (a few steps from this marker); Cannon From the Battle of the Alamo (a few steps from this marker); Clara Driscoll, Saviour of the Alamo (a few steps from this marker); In Honor of the Women and Children of the Alamo (a few steps from this marker); Lt. Col. William Barret Travis (a few steps from this marker); Strong Foundations (a few steps from this marker); The Birthplace of Freemasonry in West Texas (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Live Oak Tree Marker and dedication plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 16, 2021

2. Live Oak Tree Marker and dedication plaque

Walter Whall dedicated a plaque to the Heroes of the Alamo in 1912

The view of the Live Oak Tree and Marker next to the Long Barracks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 16, 2021

3. The view of the Live Oak Tree and Marker next to the Long Barracks

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,149 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on December 21, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.