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State Pride|History

The Bizarre Story Of The Georgia Tree That Owns Itself

The Tree That Owns Itself in Athens, GA, is a unique white oak tree with a legend of owning itself and the surrounding land.

Published May 1, 2023

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

There are a lot of strange places to visit in Georgia - it's so much fun to visit places that are off the beaten path. If you can throw in a little history or culture lesson, it's all the better! One Peach State destination that's most definitely quite unusual is the Tree That Owns Itself in Athens, GA - or, if you want to be a little more accurate, it's the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself. Plants aren't typically known for being property owners, but this special white oak tree has legal rights to both itself and the land within an eight-acre radius. Read on to learn more about this fascinating bit of Georgia history:

The Tree that Owns Itself is a local landmark at the corners of South Finley and Dearing Streets in downtown Athens, GA. It's in a residential neighborhood surrounded by homes.

Postcard depicting a large tree with a house and garage in Athens, Georgia, under a bright blue sky.
Boston Public Library/Wikimedia Commons

The original tree (pictured) was most likely planted in the 17th century and fell down in a 1942 storm, when it was more than 100 feet tall.

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A bare tree stands in a neighborhood with houses and power lines, captured in black and white.
Huron Hubert Smith/Wikimedia Commons

One of the tree's acorns was planted in the exact same location, so if you want to get technical, this current tree is the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself.

A large tree with dense green leaves stands in front of a house, surrounded by lush greenery and a gravel path.
Sarah Hill/Google Local

This current tree was dedicated in 1946 and was planted by students from the University of Georgia Department of Agriculture. The ceremony was presided over by the Athens mayor and a pastor from a local church prayed over the tree.

According to legend, the tree was planted on Colonel William Henry Jackson's property and he deeded the tree to itself along with the surrounding land.

A weathered stone monument with engraved text about a tree and land possession, surrounded by mulch and trees.
Kristen Kosovich/Google Local

The physical deed has been lost to time, and it's unclear if the story ever even happened or if it's just a long-standing urban legend.

In any event, the tree's legal rights would likely not hold up in court. Under common law, someone who is deeded property must have the legal capacity to receive it and then accept it - the tree cannot do this, since it's not a legal person.

A large tree stands beside a path, with a historic marker and a yellow house visible in the background.
Katie McMillan/Google Local

Even so, the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government recognizes the tree as owning itself, and it is maintained by the city and local residents as a public street tree.

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Whether the tree actually owns itself or not is a moot point, as it's become something of a symbol of the quirky personality of Athens, GA. It's one of the town's best-known landmarks.

Plaque on a stone base, reading "The Tree That Owns Itself," detailing its history and dedication.
Jessica Coleman/Google Local

Have you ever visited the Tree that Owns Itself? Share your experiences in the comments!

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State Pride|History

We Bet You Didn’t Know That Georgia Was Home To One Of The Oldest State Parks In America

Indian Springs State Park in Georgia is considered the oldest state park in the nation and features a historic natural spring with reputed healing properties.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Georgia might not have a lot of unique claims to fame, but when it comes to history, this state has a lot of pull. For instance, you might not have known this, but Georgia is said to have the oldest state park in the nation. Indian Springs State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the US, is located in Flovilla is a tiny state park that you might not have known to exist. But this small gem boasts some significant history, including a natural spring that is said to have healing properties.

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What you might not know about Indian Springs State Park in Georgia is that besides being a spectacular place to visit with friends and family, this state park is also thought to be the oldest state park in the nation.

A serene river flows past a grassy bank, with trees and a few buildings in the background under a clear sky.
Google Alejandro Hernandez

While some historians or other state residents might disagree, it's at least one of the nation's oldest state parks. Let’s discuss some of the facts.

A stone building with a sloped roof, surrounded by greenery and steps leading to a patio area.
Google Leann Harms

Indian Springs State Park was acquired by the state in 1825 and officially became a “State Forest Park” in 1927.

A rocky riverbed with patches of green grass and a bridge in the background, under a clear blue sky.
TripAdvisor management

However, the history of this state park in Georgia dates back centuries - as Creek Indians used the springs within the park to heal the sick within their tribe.

Wooden relief carving above a door, depicting various figures and a bear in a detailed, historical scene.
Google Margaret Connor

As expected from the natural spring, this area was also a bustling resort town through the 1800s, drawing in visitors for the beautiful bouts of nature and the freshwater spring.

A person fills water containers at a stone water source with a dome cover, surrounded by others sitting nearby.
Google George William

Today, visitors are still able to sample the artesian spring water flowing from the Spring House in case they’re looking for their own healing qualities and homeopathic care.

A stone building with a sloped roof surrounded by trees, with two people standing nearby on a sunny day.
robert white/Google Maps

Besides the historic natural spring, Indian Springs State Park also has a bevy of outdoor activities to enjoy from camping and hiking to special internal events, and beyond.

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A stone building surrounded by trees and a grassy area, with a wooden walkway leading to it.
Google T Smith

Even just wading in Sandy Creek on a warm day or walking the nature trails throughout is sure to give you some peace of mind.

A serene river scene with lush greenery, rocky banks, and a clear blue sky.
Google Tony Narcisse

So the next time you’re looking for a dose of history smack dab in the middle of nature head on over to one of the oldest state parks in the nation - Indian Springs.

Sign for Indian Springs State Park, featuring stone structure and greenery, with a road and buildings in the background.
Google T Smith

Head to Google Maps to find out where Indian Springs State Park is in Georgia.

Map showing Indian Springs State Park, including campground and nearby trails, with surrounding roads and landmarks.
Google Maps

Have you ever been to Indian Springs State Park, one of the most historic Georgia State Parks? Did you know it's one of the oldest state parks in the US? Let us know! Or if you're looking for more information about this state park, including current hours of operation and fees for entry, visit the Indian Springs State Park website or Facebook page.

Are you planning on hiking through any of our state parks this year? Make sure you check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List and download the AllTrails+ app before you hit the trails!

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State Pride|History

Few People Know The Real Reason The Olde Pink House In Georgia Is Painted Pink

The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its unique pink color caused by red brick bleeding through white plaster.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Situated on 23 Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia sits one of the most coveted restaurants in the state - The Olde Pink House. People will travel from all over to dine at this beloved Savannah staple, many walking away saying it was the best meal of their lives. And while many Georgians know the name of the house, many might not know the reason behind the famed color. Believe it or not, there is a reason behind why The Olde Pink House is pink in color and it’s not just because of a choice in paint.

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Have you ever wondered why is the Olde Pink House pink? The story begins back in the 1700s when a man named James Habersham Jr. began constructing the most elaborate mansion in Savannah, Georgia.

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TripAdvisor Edwelsh

James experienced a few minor mishaps during the construction of this building, as well as an unusual setback.

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TripAdvisor RJN1215

The mansion’s primary structure was made of red brick, which then was covered in entirety by white plaster.

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Flickr Grzesiek

Whether it was either the brick quality that was lacking or the plaster job that was done haphazardly, nobody knows.

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Flickr/tropicalart77 (Tammy Dial Gray)

However, the red brick began bleeding through the white plaster, turning the mansion an unusual shade of pink!

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TripAdvisor hp4801

Habersham became self-conscious about the color and thought he would be the laughing stock of the neighborhood, so he decided to cover the building with white paint whenever the pink color came through.

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Flickr Ballookey Klugeypop

Yet, over the years the decedents of Habersham became annoyed with having to paint the house so often.

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alt
Facebook The Olde Pink House

Eventually in the 1920s, a woman who wanted to open a tea room purchased the mansion and decided to accept the color for what it was, and even went so far as to paint the whole building pink.

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Facebook The Olde Pink House

As it stands today, the pink color of The Olde Pink House is one of the most notable characteristics of one of the most historic houses in Georgia. We can’t imagine it any other way.

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Flickr Ron Cogswell

Did you know the reason why The Olde Pink House is pink in color? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you have any more tidbits of information regarding this beloved restaurant in Savannah, then make sure to let us know. To find out more about The Olde Pink House, visit the official website.

Would you like to explore the historic side of Savannah, Georgia? Embark on the Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour by booking your spot on Viator.

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