Mahncke Park in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ancient Tree
Photographed by James Hulse, January 5, 2024
1. Ancient Tree Marker
Petrified wood is a fossil that forms when plant material is buried by sediment and protected from decay. Groundwater flows through the sediment, replacing the original plant material with minerals, such as silica. This results in a fossil that preserves the details of the bark, wood and cellular structures of the original plant.
This 85-million-year-old petrified tree was found near Eagle Pass, Texas, by Capt. W.W. Townsend in 1887. In 1893, W.A. Bonnet moved it to his family's yard. It was purchased from Mrs. W.A. Bonnet by Albert Steves, Sr., who had it shipped by train to San Antonio and presented to the Witte Museum in 1928.
Erected by Witte Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 29° 27.725′ N, 98° 28.039′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Mahncke Park. It is at the intersection of Broadway and Tuleta Drive on Broadway. The marker and fossil are located at the grounds of the Witte Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3805 Broadway, San Antonio TX 78209, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. 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, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Onderdonk Artist Studio (within shouting distance of this marker); The Celso Navarro House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Utility Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Twohig House (within shouting distance of this marker); Francisco Ruiz (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ruiz House (within shouting distance of this marker); Brackenridge Park Since 1899 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brackenridge Park Before 1899 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the grounds of the Witte Museum and there is an entrance fee to visit the Witte Museum and grounds.
Photographed by James Hulse, January 5, 2024
2. The Ancient Tree (Fossil) and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, January 5, 2024
3. The full length of the fossilized tree and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 474 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
