Be part of the historic event on Saturday, March 1st at 10 a.m. in Grapevine, Texas!
The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau and Grapevine Historical Society invites the media and public to attend the dedication of the Grapevine Witness Tree, one of the city's oldest and historically significant landmarks. This majestic post oak, standing since the 1840s, marks the site where early surveyors first established the location of Grapevine - making it a silent witness to two centuries of Texas history.
Background: The Grapevine Witness Tree has stood for 200 years, watching as the first Peters Colony families arrived in 1844 and staked their claims in what would become the oldest community in Tarrant County. Situated near the convergence of Grapevine’s four original land surveys, this tree marks a pivotal location in Texas history.
“The Witness Tree is a powerful reminder of our city’s beginnings,” said Duff O’Dell, President of the Grapevine Historical Society and Grapevine City Council Member, “On March 1st, we invite the community to gather under its branches and honor both our local heritage and the 189th anniversary of Texas’ independence.”
What You’ll Experience:
- Uncover Grapevine’s Origins – Hear from Mayor William D. Tate about the city's deep roots.
- Step into the Past – Surveying expert Joe Lipscomb will showcase antique equipment used by early land surveyors, much like what would have been used in the 1840s.
- Connect with Pioneer Legacy – Lee Roy McCain, a descendant of one of Grapevine’s founding families, will share stories of the land’s first settlers.
- Receive a Seedling to Grow – The Grapevine Parks & Recreation Department will distribute complimentary oak seedlings to attendees (while supplies last).
- Experience Living History – The dedication will feature an invocation by The Dove Church (Lonesome Dove Baptist Church), founded by early settlers in 1846.
When & Where: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Gather for refreshments at 10 a.m., Dedication ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m.
Wright Construction Company, 600 W. Wall Street, Grapevine
(Tree is located at the corner of Scribner & West Wall Streets)
This event is complimentary and open to the public.
Media Notes:
- Great visuals: The towering Witness Tree, historical reenactments, and the distribution of oak seedlings.
- Interview opportunities: Key speakers and historians available for interviews on-site.
- Contact Elizabeth Schrack to RSVP or for more information.
ABOUT GRAPEVINE, TEXAS: Grapevine, Texas, is a charming destination located on the shores of Lake Grapevine, and home to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. It offers a blend of history and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant hospitality, Grapevine is home to a range of world-class hotels, from luxe resorts, including Gaylord Texan, to the boutique Hotel Vin and family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge, visitors will find accommodations that suit their needs and preferences. Grapevine is home to the Urban Wine Trail, Historic Main Street, Historic Na sh Farm, Grapevine Vintage Railroad and hosts many annual festivals and events including GrapeFest® - A Texas Wine Experience, Main Street Fest – A Timeless Texas Tradition and the Christmas Capital of Texas®, featuring more than 1,400 Christmas events over 40 days.
###
