BFD seeking information regarding fire at historic tree

Breckenridge Fire Department is seeking information on the recent fire at the historic Half-Way Oak tree, located 13 miles south of Breckenridge in a median of U.S. Hwy. 183. According to BFD, damage to the tree was minor, due to a passerby calling 911 when they saw the tree smoking.

The tree has been a landmark for travelers and its location has been noted on maps since at least 1858, according to the Famous Trees of Texas website. The Half-Way Oak has been a stopping place between Breckenridge, Eastland, Cisco and Ranger for many years. Through the 1890s, travelers often stopped and camped under the tree overnight before continuing on their journey north or south.

In 2010, the Texas Forestry Service estimated the tree to be at least 200 years old.

According to the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, early in 2011, Mark Hanna contacted the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition to nominate the tree for historic designation. On Arbor Day, April 29, 2011, DHTC and the Texas Forest Service designated the Half-Way Oak as an official Historic Tree and it was listed in the Historic Tree Registry as a living legend and a testament to all of the history which it has witnessed.

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