The Tree that Owns Itself by Kimberly Gittings

Is it possible for a tree to own itself? Really? Well, here in Athens, the Tree that Owns Itself is located right off of Finley and Dearing Street. A tall white oak with a story to tell and who knew that there was such a famous tree just around the corner?
Throughout history there have been numerous amounts of stories told. These stories have either turned into legend or folklore or have just fizzled away with time itself. The stories and legends that refuse to depart and be continuously ingrained in Athens history include the University Arch and the Double-Barreled Cannon but one of the lesser-known stories is of the so-called Tree that Owns Itself.
Imagine a tree so grand that its limbs covered with broad sweeping leaves keeps one cool during the summer and in the winter it is barren and looks as if it is a giant among dwarfs. Standing a good hundred feet tall is this antiquated white oak. At one time it was considered the biggest tree in Athens and the most famous tree in the United States (Wikipedia). Leading up to this statuesque piece of history is the small portion of cobblestone road named Finley Street, considered one of the last cobblestone roads in Athens (Wikipedia). The tree is surrounded by a worn ornamental chain and contains two tablets of its deed. Its presence is unique due to its ownership of itself and thus the questions arise on how it all began?
It all started when a man, Colonel William H. Jackson, wanted to protect and reflect on his childhood memories of a tree on his property, so he decided to deed the tree to itself (Hammer, Karwoski). As simple as that sounds back in the 1800’s, there are currently some fine lines that have been drawn on the actual details of its beginnings and history thereafter.
Colonel Jackson was a local citizen who was believed to teach here at the University of Georgia. He happened to have a unique tree on his property that he wanted to protect so he profoundly stated:
“ I, W. H. Jackson, of the county of Clarke, of the one part, and the oak tree… of the county of Clarke, of the other part: Witnesseth, 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 (Wikipedia).”
This statement has withstood time since its believed indoctrination between the period of 1820 and 1832 (Wikipedia). The legality of this deed is nonexistent due to the exact nature of when the land was purchased, to whom, and so on. Knowingly, it is widely accepted that this tree indeed owns itself and that many admirers have come far and wide to see this spectacular tree that owns itself.
A unique fact that many do not know is the tree one sees today is not the original. Due to the tree’s age and the weathering of some severe Georgia weather, the ancient tree succumbed to an ice storm in October of 1942 (Wikipedia). After its fall there was a movement by local citizens to replace the tree with a “son” of the original tree from one of its fallen acorns. The spot to where the tree once stood proudly was barren for four years and after some cultivation from the Athens’ Junior Ladies Garden Club, a new tree was planted from a single acorn that came from the “father” tree. With the help of the University of Georgia, Roy Bowden from the College of Agriculture and the students from the Department of Horticulture, the transfer of a new tree was a success (Wikipedia). On December 4, 1946, the tree was officially dedicated and some of the attendees included the mayor of Athens and members of the Garden Club (Wikipedia). So through its extended branches and fertile soil below, admirers actually are looking at the Son of the Tree that Owns Itself although it is widely known and accepted as the Tree that Owns Itself.
“I’ve never heard an elaborate story about a tree being owned by itself. Quite interesting if you ask me,” states, Michelle Pope, a current University student. This tree is an attraction to many who have a knack for unique or interesting pieces of historical information and for those who happen to come across it. Many individuals do not know of the folklore and there is plenty more to learn. Athens is filled with stories from its people, to buildings, and even to its trees. The tree has been an Athens historical landmark since 1988 (Wikipedia). Not many towns or cities across the nation can say they have a tree that truly owns itself. Just imagine what one can explore and discover about their surroundings.



Works Cited

Hammer, Loretta J. and Karwoski, Gail L. The Tree That Owns Itself and other Adventures Tales From out of the Past. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, LTD, 1996.

Pope, Michelle. Personal Interview. 24 Oct. 2007.

“Tree that Owns Itself.” Wikipedia. 4 Oct. 2007. Wikimedia Foundation. 25 Oct. 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_That_Owns_Itself.