Tree That Owns Itself | Athens City

The Tree That Owns Itself is one of the most beloved and whimsical landmarks in Athens, Georgia. It is not only a symbol of local pride but also a rare example of American folklore blending with legal curiosity and environmental respect. The tree is said to legally own itself and the land surrounding it, making it one of the few—if not the only—tree in the world with such a claim.

Origin of the Legend

The story of the Tree That Owns Itself dates back to the early 19th century. According to local tradition, a man named Colonel William H. Jackson, who lived in Athens and was reportedly the son of James Jackson (a former governor of Georgia), cherished a white oak tree that stood on his family’s property on South Finley Street.

Out of affection and a sense of reverence, Jackson supposedly deeded the tree ownership of itself and a parcel of land measuring 8 feet in all directions. The deed was said to have been written sometime between 1820 and 1832.

Though the actual legal document has never been found, the legend holds that it read something like this:

“For and in consideration of the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides.”

Legal Status

From a legal standpoint, the idea that a tree can own property is more symbolic than enforceable. Under conventional property law, non-human entities cannot legally own land unless they are legally recognized persons (such as corporations, trusts, etc.). However, this has never stopped the city or its residents from honoring the tree’s supposed ownership as a quaint and cherished piece of folklore.

Over time, the City of Athens has unofficially respected the tree's “rights” and maintained the land accordingly, treating it as a protected landmark. It is featured in many tourism guides and receives regular care, further reinforcing its symbolic autonomy.

The Original Tree and Its Replacement

The original Tree That Owns Itself, a white oak (Quercus alba), lived for many decades and became a symbol of Athens. However, due to age, erosion, and storm damage, it fell in 1942 after standing for over a century.

After its fall, local citizens, determined to continue the legacy, planted a new tree in the same spot using an acorn from the original. This successor is often referred to as the “Son of the Tree That Owns Itself.” Although it's technically a descendant, it inherited both the physical location and the symbolic deed of ownership.

The current tree is a healthy white oak, now many decades old and well-established, and it continues to be known simply as The Tree That Owns Itself, maintaining the uninterrupted tradition.

Location

Address: Located at the intersection of South Finley and Dearing Streets, in a small enclosure on a raised plot of land.

The tree is surrounded by a stone retaining wall, and there’s a historical marker explaining its legend.

The immediate area around the tree is well-kept, with steps leading up to the base and a fence marking its “property.”

Cultural Significance and Legacy

The Tree That Owns Itself has become:

A symbol of environmental reverence, representing humanity’s respect for nature.

A cherished folk story that generations of Athenians pass down with pride.

An educational anecdote used in classrooms and legal discussions to illustrate unusual cases and the symbolic power of myth in American culture.

A regular feature in Athens tourism, drawing visitors who enjoy both natural beauty and historical oddities.

It’s also been featured in numerous publications, documentaries, and even fictional works, standing as one of the most recognizable “legal curiosities” in the United States.

Conclusion

The Tree That Owns Itself is more than just a white oak in Athens—it is a living monument to tradition, love for nature, and the whimsical spirit of the American South. Although no legal document confirms its ownership, the local community’s ongoing care and respect for the tree embody the essence of what the legend represents: a unique bond between people and the natural world, made all the more enduring by its mystery and charm.