|
|
"First
Court Colorado County Republic Texas 1837"
Columbus Court Oak Old Photo (No Date)
Courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
|
Trees
have always featured in the history of Colorado
County. The forest of stately, moss-draped Live Oaks with their
massive branches frequently touching the ground captured the imaginations
of the early settlers, many of whom had never seen an evergreen
oak.
Back in the 1920s, the city of Columbus
held a contest for an official city motto and the winning entry
was "Live Oaks and Live Folks."
The Columbus Court Oak was one of two famous trees in Columbus.
The second being the Columbus Oak
- the second largest Live Oak in the state. Although the Columbus
Court Oak has died in recent years; the trunk was left in place
and today a marker and
replacement tree mark the spot.
The Story ›
The Court Oak Lives ›
More Photos ›
|
"District
Court Tree"
Columbus Court Oak Historical Marker
TE Photo, 2001 |
Columbus Court
Oak & Historical Marker
TE Photo, 2001 |
The Story:
In 1836, both Columbus
and nearby San
Felipe were burned rather than have them fall into the hands of
the advancing Mexican Army. After Independence the settlers returned
to rebuild. While waiting for a courthouse to be built, court was
held under the shade of this tree.
The first term of the Colorado County District Court was held in April
of 1837, with Judge Robert McAlpin Williamson, presiding. Judge Williamson,
aka "Three-legged Willie" was a famous Texas jurist who had had his
right leg permanently bent at the knee. A false leg extending from
the knee to the floor - won him the nickname. Williamson won praise
for both his judical acumen and his dancing ability. Williamson County
was named in his honor.
While there may have been earlier cases heard under the tree, the
earliest recorded case was held in May of 1837. It was noteworthy
for the severity of the punishment ordered by the court. William Babbs,
charged with grand larceny, "threw" himself upon the mercy of the
court. The court wasn't feeling particularly merciful that day and
Mr. Babbs received thirty-nine lashes - plus his right hand was branded
with the letter T (for thief).
Babbs was also fined the cost of the lawsuit against him, but being
unable to pay, he was then released by Judge Williamson. |
The Court Oak
Lives
Although the famous
court oak is now officially dead, don’t believe everything you hear.
The late Colorado County historian Bill
Stein would tell interested parties that it was alive and well
and living just a few blocks from the courthouse
– and has been since it was an acorn.
According to Mr. Stein, it was well-known to Columbus
residents which tree was the real McCoy, but when Highway 90 from
Houston to Austin
was paved, certain “ adjustments” were made for the convenience of
motorists. Moving the tree was out of the question, so the court oak
was given a stand-in right alongside the courthouse.
It wasn’t exactly a crime, but over time (and the erection of a historical
marker), the stand-in became the star. |
Historic
Tree Columbus Court Oak Old Photo (No Date)
Courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
Columbus
Court Oak Old Photo (No Date)
Courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
Columbus
Court Oak Old Photo (No Date)
Courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
Columbus
Court Oak in 1970
Photo courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
Replacement
Tree - foreground
Columbus Court Oak - background
TE Photo, 2001 |
Columbus
Court Oak Old Photo (No Date)
Courtesy Nesbitt Memorial Library |
|
|
HOME
