In 1891, James McDade, the original owner of the land, chose to build his home next to the impressive magnolia tree.
Years later when the road now known as FM 2854 was being surveyed, James McDade’s daughter, Lillie, intervened to save the tree by successfully having the road relocated. According to some accounts, history records that she stood guard in front of the tree with a shotgun.
Steve Kasmiersky Sr., a local developer, was also drawn to the tree and wanted to build a neighborhood away from the center of town. O'Grady agreed to sell the property on the condition that she could live next door. Lillie McDade O'Grady died at 99 in October 1992.
McDade Estates was developed in 1971 with the magnolia as the grand gateway to the neighborhood. A portion of the land was donated to the city and is now McDade Park.
In September 2024 the McDade magnolia became the first tree in Montgomery County recognized by the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, and received the historic marker that stands in front of it today. This event took place on the birthday of Lilly McDade O'Grady.
In May 2020, a spring thunderstorm brought down a large branch of the tree. Still, it has continued to flourish through storms and nearby floods from the San Jacinto River.
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Congratulations to our 2025 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place neighborhood Christmas lights & decorations winners!
1st place - 1568 Memorial Drive
2nd place - 1606 Pine Oak Drive
3rd place - 1548 O'Connor Drive
