Storm Topples Historic Tree on SFA Campus in Nacogdoches, Texas

2023 marks the 100th birthday of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. There have been numerous campus celebrations and commemorations throughout this year.

Several structures and markers still remain from the early days of the university. One of those that still stands proudly is the Thomas J. Rusk building which was constructed in 1926.

You'll notice in the left forefront of the picture is a rather young post oak tree. Through the past 10 decades, the tree has grown and flourished. It has become a proud and beautiful symbol of the SFA campus landscape.

Thursday, October 26, a line of heavy rain and thundershowers moved through Nacogdoches. Although none of the storms reached severe limits, they did leave their mark by pouring over 3 inches of rain on campus.

The deluge and occasional gusty winds were just too much for this majestic tree to handle. The old post oak that had stood tall through an American depression, World War II, the landing of a man on the moon, and the bitter winter of 2021, had toppled over.

Will SFA plant a new commemorative tree in its place? It has only been a few hours since the tree collapsed, so it's still too early to know.

However, Stephen F. Austin State University boasts one of the best forestry colleges in the nation. So, I feel confident that they will come up with a great plan to plant something that will once again provide a magnificent addition to the SFA culture and landscape for generations to come.