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Hanging Tree.

Famous Hanging Tree

Field review by the editors.

Goliad, Texas

An official Texas Historic Landmark, the Goliad Hanging Tree is a symbol of justice, Texas-style. For 24 years the court trials of Goliad County were held under this big oak tree. Death sentences were carried out promptly, usually within a few minutes, courtesy of the tree's many handy noose-worthy branches. The tree also served as a gallows for a number of impromptu lynchings during the 1857 "Cart War" between Texans and Mexicans.

No tally was kept for how many men died in The Hanging Tree, but some estimates range into the low hundreds.

Famous Hanging Tree

Address:
184 N. Courthouse Square, Goliad, TX
Directions:
Southwest side of downtown, in front of the Goliad County Courthouse. Two blocks south of US Hwy 59 and two blocks west of US Hwy 77. Across the street from The Hanging Tree restaurant.
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