Tree That Owns Itself

In the quiet and cozy city of Athens is one of the most touching and unusual attractions in the USA — a majestic white oak known as "The Tree That Owns Itself". This is a unique natural site which, according to an old legal deed, is the rightful owner of itself and the surrounding land.

The history of this place began with a man's love for nature: in the 19th century, a local resident valued this oak so much that he bequeathed it its freedom and a plot of land within an eight-foot radius around the trunk. Today, the tree is surrounded by an elegant chain fence, highlighting its special legal status.

Although the current oak is a "descendant" of the original tree that fell in 1942, it is carefully protected by city authorities and local residents. It is a symbol of the eternity of nature and a wonderful example of how urban legends can become part of official history and a favorite place for tourists to walk.

To plan your visit to this unusual attraction, you can use the official tourist information.

The main reason to visit this spot is to touch a living legend and read the famous inscription on the memorial stone. The text of the deed of gift, left by William H. Jackson, is imbued with deep respect for nature and a desire to protect the oak for all time. It is a great place for quiet reflection and, of course, for unique photos against the backdrop of the "independent" tree.

Explore the area inside the chain fence on granite pillars — these are the boundaries of the oak's private property. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood with typical American architecture, where it is pleasant to stroll and enjoy the peace and university town atmosphere. Many travelers stop here during bike rides to take a break in the shade of the spreading canopy.

Since access to the site is always open, you can choose any time for a visit. In the early morning, you might meet locals out for a walk, and in the evening, the tree looks particularly majestic in the light of the street lamps. This place offers a rare opportunity to discuss funny legal precedents with friends and simply enjoy the beauty of the old oak.

This amazing tree is located in a residential block at 277 S Finley St, Athens. It is situated at the intersection of South Finley and Dearing streets. If you are downtown or walking around the University of Georgia campus, the walk to the oak will take very little time — it is only 1–2 kilometers from the center.

For those who prefer to travel by car, getting to the spot is easy: just enter the address into your navigator. There is no dedicated paid parking here, but you can always find a spot for free parking on the quiet side streets of this cozy neighborhood.

The attraction can also be reached by local buses running from the city center. The stop is a few minutes' walk away, making the site accessible to all categories of travelers.

The history of this place is shrouded in legends that first became public in 1890 after being published in the Athens Weekly Banner newspaper. According to legend, Colonel William H. Jackson cherished the oak under which he spent his childhood so much that he decided to provide the tree with eternal protection. He drafted a deed of gift, conveying to the tree full ownership of itself and all land within an eight-foot radius.

In the early 20th century, philanthropist George Foster Peabody funded preservation work: a chain on eight granite posts was installed around the oak's "possessions," and the soil was replaced to strengthen the roots. The original white oak, which was over 400 years old by that time, withstood the test of time until it fell during a powerful storm in 1942.

The townspeople did not want to lose their symbol. A sapling was carefully grown from an acorn of the old oak and planted in the same spot four years later. Today, visitors see that very tree — known as the "Son of the Tree That Owns Itself". It successfully inherited its "father's" title and continues to be officially considered the owner of the plot of land it occupies.

You won't need much time to see this attraction. For most travelers, 15–30 minutes is enough to read the text on the memorial plaque, look at the boundaries of the tree's "possessions," and take a few souvenir photos.

A visit to the tree is often combined with a walk through the picturesque streets of Athens or a tour of the nearby university campus. It is an ideal short stop that adds a bit of magic and good humor to your travel itinerary.

The site is located in a public space within the city, so you can visit it at any time convenient for you. The Tree That Owns Itself is available for viewing round-the-clock, 24 hours a day.

No tickets or prior reservations are required — the oak is open to guests seven days a week, from Monday to Sunday.

A stroll around the South Finley Street area allows tourists to dive deeper into the state's history and culture. Near the legendary oak, there are many architectural monuments and iconic sites worth visiting.