David Sheppard and Dean O'Bannon found Tall Oak in Rushville, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. David McDevitt donated the tree to the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce. Sherry Muse, from the 3rd grade class of Elwood Elementary School, gave the tree the name Tall Oak. Governor John Carlin dedicated the sculpture on the Doniphan County Courthouse lawn on September 29, 1979.