🌳⚖️ The Hanging Tree – Frontier Justice in Goliad, Texas

Simba and I visited The Hanging Tree in Goliad, Texas — a historic live oak long associated with frontier justice during the Republic of Texas era. Located near the Goliad County Courthouse square, this tree is believed to have been the site of public executions in the mid-1800s, when Goliad was a key settlement in early Texas history.

Goliad played a major role in the Texas Revolution, as well as in the development of early Texas law and governance. During that time, public hangings were sometimes carried out as part of the legal system. The Hanging Tree stands today as a powerful reminder of that rough frontier era and the stark realities of justice in 19th-century Texas.

🏛️ A Tree Rooted in Republic-Era History

In the days of the Republic of Texas, Goliad was an important legal and military hub. Law enforcement operated very differently than it does today, and punishments were often public, swift, and intended to send a clear message.

The Hanging Tree represents:

- Frontier-era justice in early Texas
- The realities of law enforcement in the 1800s
- A preserved landmark tied to Republic history

Whether viewed as a historic artifact or a symbol of a harsher legal past, the tree continues to spark conversation about how justice has evolved over time.

🌿 Standing in the Shadow of History

Walking up to the massive oak, you immediately notice its age and presence. The thick trunk and wide canopy reflect centuries of growth — storms weathered, seasons changed, and history unfolding beneath its branches.

Downtown Goliad still carries the atmosphere of an old courthouse square, and seeing the tree in this setting makes it easier to imagine what the town must have looked like during the Republic era.

🎥 Watch the Video

Join Simba and me as we visit The Hanging Tree in Goliad, explore the courthouse square, and reflect on this powerful piece of Texas frontier history.

👀 In This Video You’ll See

- Shots of the historic oak tree near the courthouse
- Close-ups of the trunk and surrounding markers
- Footage capturing the atmosphere of downtown Goliad
- A tree marked by the history and legacy of frontier justice

⭐ Why The Hanging Tree Still Matters

The Hanging Tree isn’t just a tree — it’s a reminder of how communities once handled law, order, and punishment. It connects modern visitors to a time when Goliad stood at the center of early Texas governance and frontier survival.

If you enjoy Texas history, courthouse square landmarks, and places tied to the Republic era, The Hanging Tree is a meaningful and thought-provoking stop in Goliad.

👍 If you enjoy discovering historic and reflective landmarks with Simba, hit LIKE, leave a COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more road-trip adventures.