Jacksonville’s Treaty Oak

In the heart of downtown Jacksonville stands a 250 year old Southern Live Oak tree with a trunk that’s 25 feet in circumference. Its twisted and tangled branches cover an area 190 feet in diameter. It has borne witness to a live performance by both John Phillip Sousa and Babe Ruth. And yet the vast majority of Jacksonville residents has never seen it, couldn’t find it, and barely know of its existence.

When I’m in the neighborhood, I like to stop by Treaty Oak. I’ll sit on a bench in its cooling shade, and watch the squirrels and birds play in its branches. It has seen a lot in its lifetime, if trees can be said to see anything. It stood here before Jacksonville was even founded, before bridges crossed the river, before the first skyscraper was ever built. It may have been here before the signing of the declaration of independence. By the Great Fire of 1901 it was already about 130 years old. Thank goodness the fire didn’t make it to the South side of the river.

I always feel a great sense of calm when I commune with this majestic tree. It reminds me that time passes, and there are things that have been on this planet long before me, and things that will last long after I’m gone. In fact, it is estimated that this tree could last another 400 years. I find that enormously comforting.

If you’re ever in Jacksonville, I urge you to stop by Jessie Ball DuPont Park and say hello to Treaty Oak.