1,000-year-old Texas oak tree survives Hurricane Harvey – the 500-year storm

By Brian Reynolds, Chron.com / Houston Chronicle

Updated 5:23 pm CDT, Sunday, August 27, 2017

The Big Tree, a live oak that is more than 1,000-years-old survived Hurricane Harvey’s landfall near Goose Island State Park.

See more images of the flooding caused by Harvey.

The Big Tree, a live oak that is more than 1,000-years-old survived Hurricane Harvey’s landfall near Goose Island State Park.

See more images of the flooding caused by Harvey.

Photo: Texas Department Of Parks And Wildlife
People and rescue boats line Tidwell at the east Sam Houston Tollway as rescues continue from flooding following Hurricane Harvey Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Houston.

People and rescue boats line Tidwell at the east Sam Houston Tollway as rescues continue from flooding following Hurricane Harvey Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
Ron Black walks down a flooded street to get to his house after Tropical Storm Harvey Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 in Sienna Plantation.

Ron Black walks down a flooded street to get to his house after Tropical Storm Harvey Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 in Sienna Plantation.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
A boat sits in a driveway after Tropical Storm Harvey Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 in Sienna Plantation.

A boat sits in a driveway after Tropical Storm Harvey Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 in Sienna Plantation.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Mailboxes are inundated by Brazos River flooding along Newlin Drive in Richmond on Friday. Several areas are still dealing with high waters related to Harvey.

Mailboxes are inundated by Brazos River flooding along Newlin Drive in Richmond on Friday. Several areas are still dealing with high waters related to Harvey.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Floodwaters from the Addicks Reservoir inundate a neighborhood off N. Eldridge Parkway in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Floodwaters from the Addicks Reservoir inundate a neighborhood off N. Eldridge Parkway in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
SPCA employee Lucky Louden loads a cat into a crate as employees and volunteers of the Houston SPCA load up more than 100 adoptable dogs and cats into a truck with the help of the Austin Humane Society and others, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Houston, to be sent to Atlanta, to make room for an onslaught of animal Tropical Storm Harvey victims. less

SPCA employee Lucky Louden loads a cat into a crate as employees and volunteers of the Houston SPCA load up more than 100 adoptable dogs and cats into a truck with the help of the Austin Humane Society and … more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
Employees and volunteers of the Houston SPCA load up more than 100 adoptable dogs and cats into a truck with the help of the Austin Humane Society and others, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Houston, to be sent to Atlanta, to make room for an onslaught of animal Tropical Storm Harvey victims. less

Employees and volunteers of the Houston SPCA load up more than 100 adoptable dogs and cats into a truck with the help of the Austin Humane Society and others, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Houston, to be sent to … more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
Mackenzie Breeding, 9, of Tomball carries a bag of clothing past pews filled with diapers, as volunteers organize donations at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 15415 N. Eldridge, Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Cypress. More than 120 people were temporarily sheltered at the church during flooding. There is an outpouring of donations after Hurricane Harvey. less

Mackenzie Breeding, 9, of Tomball carries a bag of clothing past pews filled with diapers, as volunteers organize donations at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 15415 N. Eldridge, Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in … more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
Frances Breaux wipes tears from her face after talking to media about her close friends and neighbors Leo and Lajayne Opelia, both in their 70s, whom she hasn’t being able to reach since last night, before the organic peroxides inside the Arkema chemical plant exploded Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Crosby, Texas. The Opelias were mandatorily evacuated from their homes by officials but they decided to sneak back in their home. less

Frances Breaux wipes tears from her face after talking to media about her close friends and neighbors Leo and Lajayne Opelia, both in their 70s, whom she hasn’t being able to reach since last night, before the … more

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle
Harris County Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Bob Royall , center, and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez talk to media about the explosion of organic peroxides at th Arkema chemical plant during a press conference outside the Crosby Fire Department Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Crosby, Texas. Fifteen Harris County Sheriff Office deputies that first responded to the fire at the plant were sent to the hospital eight have been released. less

Harris County Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Bob Royall , center, and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez talk to media about the explosion of organic peroxides at th Arkema chemical plant during a press conference … more

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle
Alen Pogue drags a kayak carrying three pet snakes, leopard gecko, and firearms after returning from his flooded home on Forrest Hollow Drive Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Baytown, Texas.

Alen Pogue drags a kayak carrying three pet snakes, leopard gecko, and firearms after returning from his flooded home on Forrest Hollow Drive Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Baytown, Texas.

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle
Floodwaters from the Addicks Reservoir inundate a neighborhood off N. Eldridge Parkway in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Floodwaters from the Addicks Reservoir inundate a neighborhood off N. Eldridge Parkway in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Columbia Lakes resident Kyle Butler throws sandbags into a truck bed to help shored up wall from overflowing into their subdivision Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in West Columbia.

Columbia Lakes resident Kyle Butler throws sandbags into a truck bed to help shored up wall from overflowing into their subdivision Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in West Columbia.

Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
Floodwaters fill the road running through the Lakes On Eldridge North subdivision in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Floodwaters fill the road running through the Lakes On Eldridge North subdivision in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Saltwater Salvage diver Justin Hendrickson prepares to dive near the Columbia Lakes subdivision Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in West Columbia. Hendrickson was walked to the dive spot by fellow diver Dave Oltroge before he dove to shut a levee gate value to prevent more flooding to the neighborhood. less

Saltwater Salvage diver Justin Hendrickson prepares to dive near the Columbia Lakes subdivision Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in West Columbia. Hendrickson was walked to the dive spot by fellow diver Dave Oltroge … more

Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
Waters levels of Buffalo Bayou have receded near downtown in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Waters levels of Buffalo Bayou have receded near downtown in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Floodwaters fill the road running through the Lakes On Eldridge North subdivision in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Floodwaters fill the road running through the Lakes On Eldridge North subdivision in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Shaqualia Watkins comforts her one-month-old daughter, Kamarii, as she and other evacuees visit the area of NRG Center, where the goods, toys, snacks and clothing where being distributed for the 2500 people sheltering there, who were affected by Tropical Storm Harvey, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. less

Shaqualia Watkins comforts her one-month-old daughter, Kamarii, as she and other evacuees visit the area of NRG Center, where the goods, toys, snacks and clothing where being distributed for the 2500 people … more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
The Houston Texans gathered their luggage after getting off buses at NRG Stadium, after traveling from Dallas, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. Houston flew last week to New Orleans, then to the Dallas area, and was originally scheduled to play the Cowboys at NRG Stadium, but destruction by Hurricane Harvey and flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey. Texans were going to play the game Thursday in Dallas, but the NFL cancelled that game. less

The Houston Texans gathered their luggage after getting off buses at NRG Stadium, after traveling from Dallas, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. Houston flew last week to New Orleans, then to the Dallas … more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans J.J. Watt talks on the phone after he and the team got off buses at NRG Stadium, after traveling from Dallas, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. Houston flew last week to New Orleans, then to the Dallas area, and was originally scheduled to play the Cowboys at NRG Stadium, but destruction by Hurricane Harvey and flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey. Texans were going to play the game Thursday in Dallas, but the NFL cancelled that game. less

Houston Texans J.J. Watt talks on the phone after he and the team got off buses at NRG Stadium, after traveling from Dallas, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. Houston flew last week to New Orleans, then to … more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Johnson pauses to listen for people’s voices as they search for people in a neighborhood inundated by water from the Addicks Reservoir, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Johnson pauses to listen for people’s voices as they search for people in a neighborhood inundated by water from the Addicks Reservoir, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
Tiffany Carroll waits anxiously by the entrance to her neighborhood, where water from the Addicks Reservoir has risen quickly, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Tiffany Carroll waits anxiously by the entrance to her neighborhood, where water from the Addicks Reservoir has risen quickly, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
Mike Stamps in his home in the Kingwood Greens Subdivision flooded from the San Jacinto River due to Tropical Storm Harvey, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Kingwood. Stamps was there to retrieve his two cats , who had to be left behind, as he was evacuated on a jet ski Tuesday. less

Mike Stamps in his home in the Kingwood Greens Subdivision flooded from the San Jacinto River due to Tropical Storm Harvey, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Kingwood. Stamps was there to retrieve his two cats , … more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
Quinisha Runnels holds her cousin, Mimi Runnels, 2, on a cot at the George R. Brown Convention Center where nearly 10,000 people are taking shelter after Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston. less

Quinisha Runnels holds her cousin, Mimi Runnels, 2, on a cot at the George R. Brown Convention Center where nearly 10,000 people are taking shelter after Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Shiann Barker holds her nephew, Brayln Matthews Sims Jr., 1, between cots at the George R. Brown Convention Center where nearly 10,000 people are taking shelter after Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston. They have ben at the shelter since Sunday after they evacuated from the Clayton Homes neighborhood. less

Shiann Barker holds her nephew, Brayln Matthews Sims Jr., 1, between cots at the George R. Brown Convention Center where nearly 10,000 people are taking shelter after Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Family members react as a van is pulled out of the Greens Bayou with the bodies of six family members on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. The van was carried into the bayou during Tropical Storm Harvey as the water went over the bridge. less

Family members react as a van is pulled out of the Greens Bayou with the bodies of six family members on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. The van was carried into the bayou during Tropical Storm Harvey as … more

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Family members react as a van is pulled out of the Greens Bayou with the bodies of six family members on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. The van was carried into the bayou during Tropical Storm Harvey as the water went over the bridge. less

Family members react as a van is pulled out of the Greens Bayou with the bodies of six family members on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. The van was carried into the bayou during Tropical Storm Harvey as … more

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Family members react as a van is pulled out of the Greens Bayou with the bodies of six family members on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. The van was carried into the bayou during Tropical Storm Harvey as the water went over the bridge. less

Family members react as a van is pulled out of the Greens Bayou with the bodies of six family members on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston. The van was carried into the bayou during Tropical Storm Harvey as … more

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Volunteer Paige Atkinson sorts donated clothing at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

Volunteer Paige Atkinson sorts donated clothing at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Robert Spooner, a US Customs and Border patrol officer, from Tomball, center, and other volunteers work to prepare boats to help people in the Lakewood area along Cypresswood Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Houston. Much of the Houston area was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. less

Robert Spooner, a US Customs and Border patrol officer, from Tomball, center, and other volunteers work to prepare boats to help people in the Lakewood area along Cypresswood Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in … more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
Susan Henney tosses wet carpet as she helps her neighbors clean up from flooding in the Lakewood Forest subdivision Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Houston. Much of the Houston area was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. less

Susan Henney tosses wet carpet as she helps her neighbors clean up from flooding in the Lakewood Forest subdivision Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Houston. Much of the Houston area was flooded in the aftermath … more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
Danny Hannon carries his dry cowboy boots in his backpack as he goes to check his home in the Lakewood Crossing subdivision off Cypresswood Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Houston. He had almost two feet of water the night before inside his home. Much of the Houston area was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. less

Danny Hannon carries his dry cowboy boots in his backpack as he goes to check his home in the Lakewood Crossing subdivision off Cypresswood Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Houston. He had almost two feet of water … more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
People line up to volunteer at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

People line up to volunteer at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Kenny Licona, left, cleans out his flooded out home in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Spring, Texas.

Kenny Licona, left, cleans out his flooded out home in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Spring, Texas.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
A boat runs past houses flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday in Spring. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

A boat runs past houses flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday in Spring. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Volunteers man a food and water line at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

Volunteers man a food and water line at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
A construction crew cleans out Kenny Licona’s flooded out home in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Spring, Texas.

A construction crew cleans out Kenny Licona’s flooded out home in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Spring, Texas.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
People line up to volunteer at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

People line up to volunteer at NRG Center, which opened its doors to a capacity of 10,000 evacuees in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Johnny Colunga feeds his pet monkey “Prince” as they take refuge in the Max Bowl, which was converted to a shelter for those displaced by flooding in Port Arthur. Photo taken Wednesday, August 30, 2017 Kim Brent/The Enterprise less

Johnny Colunga feeds his pet monkey “Prince” as they take refuge in the Max Bowl, which was converted to a shelter for those displaced by flooding in Port Arthur. Photo taken Wednesday, August 30, 2017 Kim … more

Photo: Kim Brent, Beaumont Enterprise
A neighborhood is inundated by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Spring.

A neighborhood is inundated by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Spring.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Kathryn Loder sorts donated clothing at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

Kathryn Loder sorts donated clothing at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Nathan Gamez, 2, is pulled by his dad, Carlos Herrara after picking up supplies from the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. less

Nathan Gamez, 2, is pulled by his dad, Carlos Herrara after picking up supplies from the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. … more

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
A boat lets off people being evacuated from floodwaters left by Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

A boat lets off people being evacuated from floodwaters left by Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Chris Gutierrez, second from right, helps his grandmother, Edelmira Gutierrez, down the stairs of their flooded house and into a waiting fire department truck as Addicks Reservoir surpasses capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. less

Chris Gutierrez, second from right, helps his grandmother, Edelmira Gutierrez, down the stairs of their flooded house and into a waiting fire department truck as Addicks Reservoir surpasses capacity due to near … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Volunteer rescuers evacuate people from the Georgetown Colony neighborhood on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, which was used as a prop in the latest Planet of the Apes movie, as Addicks Reservoir surpasses capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. less

Volunteer rescuers evacuate people from the Georgetown Colony neighborhood on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, which was used as a prop in the latest Planet of the Apes movie, as Addicks Reservoir … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Members of the National Guard help evacuees from the Georgetown Colony neighborhood out of a fire department vehicle as Addicks Reservoir surpasses capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. less

Members of the National Guard help evacuees from the Georgetown Colony neighborhood out of a fire department vehicle as Addicks Reservoir surpasses capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Kevin Johnston, left, navigates his boat between two flooded houses in the Suminski Park neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Kevin Johnston, left, navigates his boat between two flooded houses in the Suminski Park neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Water inundates a Shell station at Telephone Rd. And south Sam Houston Tollway, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Water inundates a Shell station at Telephone Rd. And south Sam Houston Tollway, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle
Volunteers bring in donations into Lakewood Church now that the church has turned into a shelter for the Tropical Storm Harvey evacuees, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle ) less

Volunteers bring in donations into Lakewood Church now that the church has turned into a shelter for the Tropical Storm Harvey evacuees, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston … more

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle
Cilla Padron, from Corpus Christi, takes a nap in the lobby of the SpringHill Suites hotel Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Rosenberg, Texas. Padron and her friends worked most of the previous day helping rescue people from flooded neighborhoods. less

Cilla Padron, from Corpus Christi, takes a nap in the lobby of the SpringHill Suites hotel Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Rosenberg, Texas. Padron and her friends worked most of the previous day helping rescue … more

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle
Armando Argueta, who performs as “Kapuchino,” performs a magic trick for children at a Red Cross shelter at W. W. Thorne Stadium, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. “We wanted to let the children forget what had happened,” his wife Betty said. less

Armando Argueta, who performs as “Kapuchino,” performs a magic trick for children at a Red Cross shelter at W. W. Thorne Stadium, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. “We wanted to let the children forget what … more

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
Lauren Durst holds onto her ten-month-old son, Wyatt Durst, as they evacuate from the Savannah Estates neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Lauren Durst holds onto her ten-month-old son, Wyatt Durst, as they evacuate from the Savannah Estates neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
A high water warning sign on Addicks Satsuma Road is covered by flood waters as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

A high water warning sign on Addicks Satsuma Road is covered by flood waters as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Stephanie Vu, left, reacts after being rescued after falling in deep water as she evacuates with her parents from the Savannah Estates neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. less

Stephanie Vu, left, reacts after being rescued after falling in deep water as she evacuates with her parents from the Savannah Estates neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
A flares at Shell is shown along with other complexes along 146 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in Deer Park. Several plants shut down due to Hurricane Harvey.

A flares at Shell is shown along with other complexes along 146 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in Deer Park. Several plants shut down due to Hurricane Harvey.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
Boirs Salazar paddles a surfing board to play in flood water with his brother and a friend at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 15th Street on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Galveston.

Boirs Salazar paddles a surfing board to play in flood water with his brother and a friend at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 15th Street on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Galveston.

Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle
Grant Braswell, from front, Shayne Hofstetter and John Hall have a good time tubing in flood water at the intersection of Moody Avenue and Postofdice Street on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Galveston. Some parts of the downtown section had flood water more than waist-deep. less

Grant Braswell, from front, Shayne Hofstetter and John Hall have a good time tubing in flood water at the intersection of Moody Avenue and Postofdice Street on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, in Galveston. Some parts … more

Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle
People wade through chest deep water down Pine Cliff Drive as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

People wade through chest deep water down Pine Cliff Drive as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
People wade through chest deep water down Pine Cliff Drive as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

People wade through chest deep water down Pine Cliff Drive as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
A woman carries her dogs as she is evacuated from the Twin Lakes neighborhood with her family as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. less

A woman carries her dogs as she is evacuated from the Twin Lakes neighborhood with her family as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity due to near constant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in … more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Residents of the Cinco Ranch and Kelliwood areas of Ft. Bend and Harris Counties evacuate from the west side of the Barker Reservoir along Westheimer Parkway in Katy, TX on August 29, 2017.

Residents of the Cinco Ranch and Kelliwood areas of Ft. Bend and Harris Counties evacuate from the west side of the Barker Reservoir along Westheimer Parkway in Katy, TX on August 29, 2017.

Photo: Craig Moseley, Houston Chronicle
A rescuer moves Paulina Tamirano, 92, from a boat to a truck bed as people evacuate from the Savannah Estates neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

A rescuer moves Paulina Tamirano, 92, from a boat to a truck bed as people evacuate from the Savannah Estates neighborhood as Addicks Reservoir nears capacity Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Fluids from a submerged vehicle rise to the surface at the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway, as heavy rains continue from Tropical Storm Harvey, Tuesday August 29, 2017, in Houston. Sgt. Steve Perez, 56, reportedly drowned in his patrol car at the intersection while on his way to work. He was a 30-year veteran of the HPD. less

Fluids from a submerged vehicle rise to the surface at the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway, as heavy rains continue from Tropical Storm Harvey, Tuesday August 29, 2017, in … more

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
Maria Dardon pauses at the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway, as heavy rains continue from Tropical Storm Harvey, Tuesday August 29, 2017, in Houston. Sgt. Steve Perez, 56, reportedly drowned in his patrol car at the intersection while on his way to work. He was a 30-year veteran of the HPD. less

Maria Dardon pauses at the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway, as heavy rains continue from Tropical Storm Harvey, Tuesday August 29, 2017, in Houston. Sgt. Steve Perez, 56, … more

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
A submerged vehicle is seen at the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway, as heavy rains continue from Tropical Storm Harvey, Tuesday August 29, 2017, in Houston. An HPD officer reportedly drowned in his patrol car at the intersection while on his way to work. less

A submerged vehicle is seen at the intersection of the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway, as heavy rains continue from Tropical Storm Harvey, Tuesday August 29, 2017, in Houston. An HPD officer … more

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
People displaced by Tropical Storm Harvey take shelter in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

People displaced by Tropical Storm Harvey take shelter in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Nathan Gamez, 2, is pulled by his dad, Carlos Herrara after picking up supplies from the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. less

Nathan Gamez, 2, is pulled by his dad, Carlos Herrara after picking up supplies from the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. … more

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
Don and Peg Sauter celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on August 22. The two have moved from their assisted living home to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches its way through the area on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. less

Don and Peg Sauter celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on August 22. The two have moved from their assisted living home to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as Tropical Storm Harvey inches … more

Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
A volunteer sorts the donations delivered to Lakewood Church now that the church has turned into a shelter for the Tropical Storm Harvey evacuees, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle ) less

A volunteer sorts the donations delivered to Lakewood Church now that the church has turned into a shelter for the Tropical Storm Harvey evacuees, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. ( Marie D. De Jesus / … more

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Staff
Flood victims are evacuated by boat from their neighborhood near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Flood victims are evacuated by boat from their neighborhood near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
A line of airplanes are surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

A line of airplanes are surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Flood victims are evacuated by boat from their neighborhood near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Flood victims are evacuated by boat from their neighborhood near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Rescue vehicles drive through a neighborhood off Cypress Creek as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Rescue vehicles drive through a neighborhood off Cypress Creek as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
A car sits stranded in high water at Studemont Drive and Allen Parkway as Buffalo Bayou overflows its banks as Tropical Storm Harvey continues to dump rain across the region Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

A car sits stranded in high water at Studemont Drive and Allen Parkway as Buffalo Bayou overflows its banks as Tropical Storm Harvey continues to dump rain across the region Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Armando Bustsamante walks along Studemont Street over Buffalo Bayou as flood waters from Tropical Storm Harvey flow toward downtown Houston Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

Armando Bustsamante walks along Studemont Street over Buffalo Bayou as flood waters from Tropical Storm Harvey flow toward downtown Houston Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
Sid Abdilahi, 31, gives his two-year-old niece, Bamas, a piggyback ride inside the Spring Hill Suites hotel Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Rosenberg, Texas. “I’m just trying to keep my family’s spirits up,” said Abdilahi. “She’s my world,” he added. Abdilahi and his family, six total, were evacuated from their Richmond home by the Fort Bend Fire Department Monday morning and were first taken to B.F. Terry High School, one of the local shelters. With his mom, who’s 70, Abdilahi opted for looking for a close by hotel that still had open rooms. less

Sid Abdilahi, 31, gives his two-year-old niece, Bamas, a piggyback ride inside the Spring Hill Suites hotel Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Rosenberg, Texas. “I’m just trying to keep my family’s spirits up,” said … more

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle
Linda Gonzalez, carries Penny, Bulldog puppy, to the boat as Harris County Constable deputy Zach Ryan holds one-year-old Joshua Bukes Jr. as they rescued people from flooded homes near Aldine Westfield Road during Tropical Storm Harvey Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Humble, Texas. less

Linda Gonzalez, carries Penny, Bulldog puppy, to the boat as Harris County Constable deputy Zach Ryan holds one-year-old Joshua Bukes Jr. as they rescued people from flooded homes near Aldine Westfield Road … more

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle

Photo: Texas Department Of Parks And Wildlife

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The Big Tree, a live oak that is more than 1,000-years-old survived Hurricane Harvey’s landfall near Goose Island State Park.

See more images of the flooding caused by Harvey.

The Big Tree, a live oak that is more than 1,000-years-old survived Hurricane Harvey’s landfall near Goose Island State Park.

See more images of the flooding caused by Harvey.

Photo: Texas Department Of Parks And Wildlife

(Editor’s Note: This story was initially published Aug. 27, 2017, two days after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas. Many of our readers at the time were inspired by the Big Tree’s perseverance, so on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, we are choosing to reshare this story with our readers.)

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Before Harvey dropped unprecedented amounts of rain on Houston, the storm brought Category 4-level winds to the Texas coast in Rockport.

And while the storm devastated large portions of the coastal town, one of it’s most famous natural structures survived.

The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park, which is more than 1,000 years old, came through Harvey – what has been labeled a “500-year storm” for its rarity – relatively unscathed, even as younger trees fell victim to the storm.

UNCHARTED: NOAA graphs show just how swollen Houston’s bayous could get after Harvey

According to the parks department, the tree has a circumference of more than 35 feet with an average diameter of more than 11 feet. At its peak it stands 44 feet tall, but in a 2011 profile, the Houston Chronicle’s Andrew Dansby said it is that girth, rather than the height that is truly impressive.

Over the centuries the great tree has seen it’s fair share of disasters. This is far from the first hurricane it has weathered. A plaque in front of the Big Tree states the following:

“I am a live oak tree and I am very old. I have seen spring return more than a thousand times. I can remember hundreds of hurricanes, most I’d rather forget, but I withstood.”

THE IMPACT: Rockport residents stunned by devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey

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