By Mary French
The oak trees of Salado are a rich heritage according to History of Salado, Texas compiled by MaryBelle Brown and Bill Kinnison. Oak wilt can damage that heritage. One can imagine Native American tribes camping near or under trees by Salado Creek as they carved flint and hunted. Mexican and American settlers also chose to build homes around and near the trees such as Dr. Benjamin McKie and his wife Eva who built their home in Salado amongst giant oak trees. Their home is now known as Twelve Oaks. Today we see families and friends gathering under the trees to play in the creek and share a picnic lunch.