The Tree That Owns Itself 🇺🇸

At the corner of South Finley and Dearing Streets in Athens, Georgia, sits a white oak tree famous for its legendary legal status. According to local lore, Colonel William Henry Jackson deeded the tree entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of its base between 1820 and 1832. Though the original oak fell in 1942, Athenians planted a replacement grown from one of its acorns in 1946—popularly known as the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself. Despite the deed lacking real legal effect under common law, the site remains a cherished local landmark and symbol of Athens, officially cared for by municipal authorities and local advocates. When you visit this quiet residential neighborhood near downtown, you can admire the thriving 50-plus-foot oak set inside a distinctive enclosure that juts slightly into the street. Look closely to see the stone tablets reading Jackson's declaration of affection, a commemorative retaining wall with a brass plaque, and a protective chain barricade anchored by eight granite posts, all positioned at the top of Athens' last remaining cobblestone street.

What to see at The Tree That Owns Itself

• Famous white oak in Athens, Georgia, that legendarily owns itself and its surrounding eight-foot radius
• Son of the Tree That Owns Itself, planted in 1946 from an acorn of the original fallen oak
• Two stone tablets and a brass plaque commemorating Colonel Jackson's deed of affection
• Enclosed site framed by a retaining wall, an ornamental chain barricade, and eight granite posts
• Located at the crest of a hill along Athens' only remaining cobblestone street

Visiting tips

Approach the tree along South Finley Street to walk or drive up Athens' only remaining cobblestone street.

How long: 15-30 minutes · Best time: Daylight hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

The Tree That Owns Itself is easy to reach on Athens’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sanford Stadium and State Botanical Garden of Georgia. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Athens travel guide.