This website updates and replaces the original hardcover book, Famous Trees of Texas, first published in 1970 by Texas Forest Service through Texas A&M University Press. The 3^rd Edition, published in 1984, is now out of print.

Through this site you can "tour" the trees either from the seat of your car or the comfort of your home or office (take a tour now!). For students and history buffs, we've linked each tree to a specific period in Texas history to make research easier. And we now offer the opportunity to nominate new trees.

Although we've made a few edits, here and there, we have retained much of the original text, all of the historic trees—living and dead—and hopefully, the spirit of the original book. Seven trees featured in the 3^rd Edition have been omitted; originally included due to their status as a national champion for their species, all are either dead or no longer champ.  For those interested in big trees rather than historic trees, a separate listing for state and national champion trees in Texas can be found at http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/.

But some things haven't changed. Now 42 years after the original publication, our purpose—as stated in the Preface to the 3^rd Edition—remains the same: "to memorialize those trees which have been witness to some of the exciting periods and events in Texas' frontier history." 

Credits

• TFS Urban Forestry Program Staff and TFS Information Resources Department
• Amy Warren (Amy Warren Designs), created the original look for the web pages
• Yan Lee (Big Tree Studio), for the watermark of the Rio Frio Landmark Tree on the home page
• Thanks to the USDA Forest Service, for providing funding through an U&CF program grant