The John Peter Smith Oak is located near the Darnell Street Auditorium on the grounds of The Kimbell Art Museum. Believed to be between 200 and 300 years old, the tree was designated in 1982 by the Fort Worth Independent School District as a living tribute to public school advocate John Peter Smith, who is credited with starting the first school in Fort Worth in 1854. The oak tree is the only memorial dedicated to his contributions to the ISD.
The Heritage Tree Campaign helps foster an appreciation of trees and promote public awareness that Heritage Trees are a living and distinct resource of the Fort Worth community. This year marks the inaugural year of the Heritage Tree program, coinciding with Fort Worth’s being recognized as a Tree City USA for 30 years (the oldest in Texas) and the 100th anniversary of the Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department.
