Century Tree

The tree. satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)

In the shade of an enormous live oak tree on the campus of Texas A&M University, tradition and superstition collide. Marriage proposals, weddings, and many a gathering have occurred beneath its drooping branches.

Planted around the time the university was first established in 1876, the Century Tree is the largest and one of the oldest trees on campus. But its size and age aren’t what make this tree so intriguing.

According to campus legend, those who walk beneath the big, beautiful oak with another person will always be connected to that someone for life. Couples believe proposals under these centuries-old branches mean their marriage and love will last eternally. Thus, many couples have passed under and proposed within its shadow.

Superstition also dictates that those who walk under the branches alone will forever live a life of loneliness and will never find their true love. So, many single students have avoided the Century Tree altogether.

This particular tree is among the most cared-for plants on campus. Braces have been installed to keep its large, twisting branches from breaking off from the trunk.

Know Before You Go

The Century Tree is located near the Academic Building, which can be seen through its sprawling branches. Sidewalks offer easy passage for those who wish to take part in the campus superstition. This is not a climbing tree, however, and passersby are always asked to stay on the sidewalks. Still, there is plenty of space to propose to a lover or simply pass under with a soulmate.