Strange but True: “The tree that owns itself” is a white oak in Athens, GA, which is widely assumed to legally own itself and the eight feet of land surrounding it

Believe it or not, there’s tree that actually owns itself. According to the legend, this tree has a legal ownership of itself and all the land within eight feet of its base.

It even has a name, Jackson Oak, coming from its origin – white oaks, the preeminent species of hardwoods in eastern and central North America. These trees are long-lived oaks found in Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, northern Florida and eastern Texas.

This legendary tree is on the edge of South Finley and Dearing Streets, Athens, Georgia USA. However, this isn’t the end of the story. Jackson, the tree that owns itself, has a son. The original tree fell in 1942, and a new one was planted at the same location. People call it “the son of the tree that owns itself.”

The tree that owns itself, Athens, Georgia Date issued: 1930 – 1945.

 

Son of The Tree That Owns Itself in 2005.

The history of the tree dates back to when a front-page article appeared in the Athens Weekly Banner on 12 August 1890, entitled ‘Deeded to itself’. The article referred to this particular tree that’s been located on the property of Colonel William Henry Jackson, the son of James Jackson. James Jackson was a soldier in the American Revolution, as well as a Congressman, U.S. Senator, and Governor of Georgia, and also a father to another James Jackson. His son was a Congressman and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

James Jackson, US Representative from Georgia.

The tree was related to the childhood memories of Jackson, although many believe that he didn’t grow up near it but became attached to it after deciding to protect it. He deeded to it the ownership of itself and the land around it. This transaction happened between the periods of 1820-1832.

The deed worded in the following content, according to the article in the newspaper.

‘I, H. W. Jackson, of the county of Clarke, of the one part, and the oak tree… of the county of Clarke, of the other part: Witnessed, That the said W. H. Jackson for and in consideration of the great affection which he bears said tree, and his great desire to see it protected has conveyed, and by these presents do convey unto the said oak tree entire possession of itself and of all land within eight feet of it on all sides.’

Thanks to his will to protect the tree and the author who wrote the article, who still remains unknown, the tree is one of the most famous trees in the World today.

Houses, street and large white oak, Quercus alba. The only tree in the world that owns itself.

As assumed, the tree legally owns itself, but according to today’s law, it’s concluded that a deed like that would have no legal standing. The person receiving the property in question must have the legal capacity to receive it, and the property must be delivered to — and accepted by— the recipient.

The site of the tree contains two stone tablets, one with a missing corner and other newer, on which a statement is written.

Plaque at the site, weathered by exposure. The stone faintly details a passage from William H. Jackson’s deed to the tree.

 

Newer plaque at the site clearly detailing a portion of William H. Jackson’s deed.

‘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.’

WILLIAM H. JACKSON

It’s believed that the tree started life between the mid-16^th and late 18^th centuries.

Read another story from us: The President- The Tree you can’t capture in one photo

By some, it was considered as the biggest in Athens and most famous tree in the United States. By 1906, erosion stroked the tree, and no matter the efforts made to save it, Senior Jackson fell on the evening of 9 October 1942.