The Ross Oak
This large Live Oak tree is named for the Pioneer family of Shapley Prince Ross (1811-89), who camped here overnight while migrating from Missouri in 1839. They returned to this area in 1848,with Ross at the head of a Texas Ranger Company. When Waco was founded in 1849, Ross bought the land around the Oak Tree. He became postmaster, ferryman,and hotel owner in the town. He and wife, Catherine (1812-86), were parents of Robert (b.1848) and Kate (b.1851) Ross, first children born to permanent Anglo-American settlers in this area. Another son, Lawrence Sullivan Ross (1838-98), was governor of Texas, 1887-91)
31.5489° N, 97.1304° W
Where to Find It
in backyard of Waco Child Care Infant Center Admin. Office - 613 S. 9th St., Waco
Nearby Markers
- 0.2 mi SW Evangelia Settlement Waco
- 0.2 mi N Katy Park Waco
- 0.3 mi SW Site of Old Texas Cotton Palace Waco
- 0.3 mi NE Waco University Waco
- 0.3 mi NE First Baptist Church of Waco Waco
- 0.4 mi NE Fort House Waco