In Pecan Valley Park, just a short walk from the main trail, lives a gigantic bur oak tree that once was the “Tallest Bur Oak in Texas.” Though it gained local fame for its enormity, the bur oak would garner more far-reaching notoriety in 1884 when it was used to hang members of the legendary Dutch Henry Borne Gang of horse thieves. Benbrook residents and officials, tired of dealing with horse thieves, used the “tallest tree in Texas” to make an example of three horse thieves captured by local ranch hands.
“Let’s give these big ol’ horse theives the pleasure of hanging from the biggest tree in Texas…”
The Hanging Tree, as it would come to be known, is easily accessible for adventurers who desire to see it. To locate the tree, seekers can follow the simple directions below:
- Drive down Memorial Oak Dr. until it terminates at a small parking lot.
- Park the vehicle and follow the cement walkway until you see a walkway bridge on your right.
- Once you cross the bridge, turn left and follow the worn pathway.
- The Hanging Tree has a large trunk at the end of the worn pathway.
