Cart War Oak

Cart War Oak

The Cart War Oak was the site of one of the most notorious outbreaks of racist attacks by Texans towards Mexicans after the Texas War for Independence from Mexico. Texas teamsters were being driven out of business by Mexican teamsters, who were undercutting prices, and in 1857, a series of attacks led by Texans ended with the deaths of 75 Mexicans. The Texans were getting rich from confiscating the wagons and supplies of the murdered men, and grew so bold that finally the townspeople petitioned the government, and the Texas Legislature had to intervene.

The Legislature established a court under a large live oak tree, and many Texans were hanged at the site. The tree stands today on the north side of the street, across from the present-day courthouse, and is mentioned in Famous Trees of Texas.