Tree, to Thine Own Self Be Owned
The story of a tree in a quiet area in Athens, Georgia, that was beloved to the point of preservation.
BRIT Collections
Botanical Research Institute of Texas | Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Nestled at the corner of Dearing and Finley Streets in Downtown Athens, Georgia, is a beautiful white oak tree with a unique distinction - it owns itself.
Plant specimen (2023-09-02) by BigmacthealmanacBRIT Collections
Legend says that the tree was a favorite of University of Georgia professor William Jackson, who recalled beloved childhood memories involving the tree. Upon his death, he deeded the tree possession of itself and the surrounding eight feet of land.
“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
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Although its preservation is not legally binding (according to common law, only people can receive and accept property in a deed), the tree is beloved in its community and is cared for by the Junior Ladies Garden Club.
Plant specimen (2016-10-09) by DcrjsrBRIT Collections
The original tree was estimated to be around 400 years old when it was felled during a storm in 1942. Members of the Junior Ladies Garden Club collected acorns at the spot and carefully grew the second generation of The Tree That Owns Itself.
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In 1946, the Junior League Garden Club successfully planted the successor in its place, which is called “The Son of the Tree That Owns Itself.”
Plant specimen (1931/1945) by Boston Public Library, Print DepartmentBRIT Collections
Many childhood memories are formed in the great outdoors, from hiding amongst tall grasses to playing in mushroom fairy rings to resting in the shade of a beautiful old tree.
Perhaps that’s why the tree attracts tourists and has been preserved for so long - it reminds us of childhood when something as innocuous as a tree could be an important place for you.
Quercus alba Herbarium Specimen
Historians debate the veracity of the story of Jackson’s love for the tree, and records state that he may not have lived in the area as a child.
To many, what the tree represents is more important than the facts. What a lovely story it is to believe a man so loved a tree that he couldn’t bear the idea of it being gone when he was.
Tree, to Thine Own Self Be Owned
Story created by Alyssa Kosyaem, Philecology Herbarium, Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
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