They provided us with a brochure that provides a map as well as information about each tree sculpture that can be seen along the way. You can also do the tour by bicycle, auto, or one of the commercial tour companies. When I first heard about this tour, I was curious to learn more about it. So, here's the scoop.
When Hurricane Ike (2008) covered most of Galveston Island in a tidal surge, the intense winds and waves uprooted many trees and ultimately killed thousands of them. A group of homeowners decided to transform the destruction of the oaks into symbols of rejuvenation.
Artists have created whimsical sculptures of the remains of the beautiful oak trees that once lined neighborhood streets in this area of Galveston. The walking tour is in the East End Historic District, but there are some in other parts of town as well.
We left our car parked at the Visitor Center and started the tour at the intersection of Sealy and 20th Streets. Spolier Alert: If you want to see these for the first time in person, do not continue reading this post!!
Following are the tree sculptures in the East End Historical District including the steet address and description of the sculpture.
1923 Sealy - Island Totem Pole. The pole represents everything the Case family love about Galveston (retired here from Michigan).
1620 Sealy - Birds of Galveston. There are 17 birds on the branches and relief carvings.
1228 Sealy - Great Dane. The homeowners Great Dane, Hunter, with some bunny ears for Easter.
902 Ball - Pod of Dolphins & Mermaids. The dolphins represent the children and the mermaid the mother of the family.
1302 Ball - Squirrel with Acorn, Dolphin, Eel & Dorado, Owl, Wildlife Totem Pole.
1702 Winnie - Tin Man & Toto. One of the directors (King Vidor) of "The Wizard of Oz" was born on this property.
628 14th - Three Pelicans and Fish
1123 Winnie - Grandmother Reading to Her Grandchildren
1028 Winnie - Monument to Galveston's Trees
1016 Church - Where Have all the Flowers Gone?
1428 Church - Mermaid Holding Clam Shell
1618 Church - Pelican Sitting on Piling
1701 Postoffice - Angel Cradling Bunny
1609 Postoffice - Large Pelican Holding Fish
We had fun with this tour and took our dog, Sadie, with us. It was like a scavenger hunt to find each of the sculptures. Along the way we also saw many, beautiful, historic, Victorian homes. They were beautiful and most had impressive gardens as well. Overall, this was a very interesting experience.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water to drink as the entire tour (including the walk to/from the Visitor Center parking lot) was about 60 blocks.
You can download a copy of the map at: www.galveston.com/3pelicans/brochure/brochure.pdf
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