The Tree That Owns Itself

In a quiet town in Georgia, a tree once made a legal demand—and the town agreed. But how can a tree own land?

In Athens, Georgia, a white oak tree is said to legally own itself and the land within 8 feet of its base. The story, dating back to the early 1800s, claims that Colonel William H. Jackson, who loved the tree from childhood, deeded it ownership of itself in a gesture of gratitude. Though the legal standing of the deed is shaky—trees can’t technically hold property—it became a beloved local legend. When the original tree fell in 1942, the town planted its acorn in the same spot, and the “Son of the Tree That Owns Itself” still stands today, considered the legal heir to its parent’s property.

“The old oak had been to me what the wise old man in the village is to a child.”

~ William H. Jackson (alleged quote from original deed document)

“We honor the spirit of the deed, even if no lawyer in the country would recognize it.”

~ Clarke County official, as quoted in local government archives

“There’s something beautiful in a community choosing to honor a myth as if it were law.”

~ Dr. Nancy Lawton, historian, University of Georgia

“The idea that a tree could own land is absurd in court—but meaningful in culture.”

~ Prof. Alan Rosenbaum, legal scholar

“It’s not about legality. It’s about symbolism. This tree teaches respect and gratitude.”

~ Local resident speaking to the Athens Banner-Herald

Knock-on effect: Inspired by this tale, several other towns across the U.S. have since enacted symbolic ordinances granting “rights” to rivers, forests, or natural features. It helped spark the growing movement for “nature rights”—giving ecosystems legal standing to protect themselves in court.