Experts determine historical value of Fort Belknap arbor

The grape arbor at Fort Belknap in Newcastle was planted over 75 years ago and it hasn’t been trimmed much since. That will change in the near future.

During a Young County Commissioner’s Court meeting on Nov. 26 it was announced the fort had brought in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Viticulturist Michael Cook to look at the arbor.

From the moment Cook laid eyes on the arbor he knew he was looking at something historic.

“After consulting with peers, it is thought that these wild mustang vines, many of which trunks span six feet in circumference, are most likely the largest native vines currently being cultivated in the United States,” Cook said in a press release.“In addition, the size of these vines would easily compete for one of the largest across the world.”

For the full story read the Saturday, Dec. 8 edition of The Graham Leader.