The Liberty Tree is certainly a piece of local heritage in
Friendswood. It branches out over Spreading Oaks Avenue, just
slightly behind the Quaker Church. Friendswood pride saved the
mighty oak in 1976 when road improvements threatened the tree.
Through citizens efforts, the new road was routed around the tree
and the oak was designated "The Liberty Tree". Not long ago, the
tree underwent some trimming to make way for power lines leading
into a new housing development causing outrage among Friendswood
citizens. As a means to appease those enraged by the butchery of
the city symbol, the City of Friendswood enacted a tree ordinance
in order to protect the Liberty Tree from future damages.
Right behind the tree, surrounded by a picket fence, is a time
capsule. Contents of the capsule, to be opened July 4, 2076, will
reveal to future residents a picture of Friendswood 100 years
earlier. I tried to find out what is in the capsule, but none of
the current residents I asked, or the reference desk a the city
Library seem to know. If you know what is in the capsule please
include it in your log.
The area can be viewed from the roadside, but be very careful as
there is not a "designated parking area". You should be able to
pull off into the grassy area to the west of the tree.
There is no need to disturb any of the landscaping; you can
reach the cache from outside the picket fence.