Oak Trees

Silent giants in Brooksville’s vibrant heart weave history, beauty, and community into one breathtaking scene. The live oak trees, likely planted around 1913–1914, spread their mighty branches over Courthouse Square, their gnarled limbs and lush canopies creating a natural cathedral for Brooksville’s gatherings. These “ancient” trees, now over a century old, are more than just part of the landscape—they’re witnesses to the town’s past and pillars of its present, making the square a cherished place for connection. Let’s wander beneath their shade and explore why these oaks are the soul of Brooksville’s Courthouse Square.

Picture the early 1910s, when the Courthouse, built in 1913, was still fresh with new brick and ambition. Young live oak saplings, planted around that time, took root in the square, their slender trunks a quiet promise of grandeur to come. By the 1920s, photos show them as sprightly youngsters, already shading the grounds where folks gathered for speeches, markets, or just a chat. Today, these oaks are majestic, their sprawling branches draped with Spanish moss, earning them the “ancient” status noted in local lore. They frame the Courthouse like a living postcard, tying Brooksville’s past to its lively present.

The live oaks are at the center of it all, their shade a cool embrace for every event. Unlike the solemn War Memorials or the whimsical Mermaid Tale Trail statue nearby, these trees offer a timeless, organic presence, their roots literally anchoring the square’s history. They’ve watched decades unfold—courtroom dramas, wartime farewells, and joyful celebrations—making them silent storytellers for a town that loves its roots.

The oaks’ early days were humble, likely planted as part of a beautification effort when the Courthouse was new, a common practice for civic spaces in early 20th-century Florida. By the 1940s, they were sturdy enough to support Hernando County’s first public Christmas tree, strung with lights for a wartime holiday. Now, their massive canopies—some spanning over 50 feet—create a natural stage for events like the Christmas on Main, where 8,000 lights on a 30-foot tree twinkle beneath their branches. New research from a 2025 arborist report highlights the health of these trees, noting that careful pruning and lightning protection have ensured their longevity, a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving them.

What makes these live oaks so special is how they shape the rhythm of Courthouse Square. On a summer day, you’ll see kids playing tag under their branches while vendors at the farmers’ market set up nearby. During the Veterans Day ceremony, their shade softens the sun as wreaths are laid at the War Memorial. At the Mermaid Tale Trail’s “Patience” statue, tourists snap photos, the oaks framing the scene like a painting. Locals share tales of climbing these trees as kids or carving initials in their bark decades ago. The trees are a backdrop for life’s moments, big and small, tying generations together. They’re a quiet draw, inviting reflection or a moment to simply sit and breathe.

Citations

Brooksville Main Street. (2024). Christmas on Main. Retrieved from https://www.welovebvl.org

Florida Historical Society. (2023). Civic Beautification in Early 20th-Century Florida. Retrieved from https://myfloridahistory.org

Florida Memory. (n.d.). Hernando County Courthouse Historical Photos. Retrieved from https://www.floridamemory.com

Florida Mermaid Trail. (n.d.). Explore the Enchanting Mermaid Tale Trail in Hernando County. Retrieved from https://floridamermaidtrail.com/tale-trail/

Hernando County Parks. (2025). Arborist Report: Hernando County Courthouse Live Oaks. Retrieved from https://www.hernandocounty.us/parks

Hernando County Supervisor of Elections. (n.d.). Vote in Honor of a Vet. Retrieved from https://www.hernandovotes.gov

Hernando Sun. (2019). The Trees of Courthouse Square: A Century of Shade. Retrieved from https://www.hernandosun.com

Hernando Sun. (2021). Memorial to Fallen Heroes Unveiled. Retrieved from https://www.hernandosun.com/2021/01/22/memorial-fallen-heroes-unveiled/

Hernando Sun. (2023). Brooksville’s Live Oaks Weather Hurricane Idalia. Retrieved from https://www.hernandosun.com

Visit Brooksville. (2025). Courthouse Square: Brooksville’s Historic Heart. Retrieved from https://visitbrooksville.com

Visit Florida. (2025). Exploring Hernando County’s Historic Landscapes. Retrieved from https://www.visitflorida.com

Brooksville History. (2025). Community Memories of Courthouse Square. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/brooksvillehistory