Tree That Owns Itself (Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Tree That Owns Itself |
|
|---|---|
 The Tree That Owns Itself
Location in Alabama
|
|
| Species | Post oak (Quercus stellata) |
| Coordinates | 31°53′54″N 85°08′46″W / 31.89833°N 85.14611°W |
| Date felled | April 9, 1961 (since replaced) |
| Custodian | Itself |
The Tree That Owns Itself is a special oak tree in Eufaula, Alabama. What makes it so unique? Well, a tree in this exact spot was given its freedom! This happened in 1935, thanks to E. H. Graves, who was the mayor of Eufaula at the time.
The land where the tree stands used to belong to a soldier named Captain John A. Walker. Because of him, the first tree there was known as the Walker Oak. It was also called the Post Oak Tree in official papers.
Sadly, the original Walker Oak was destroyed in 1961. A strong tornado hit it. But don't worry! A new tree was planted right away by the International Paper Company to take its place. An iron sign was put up near the new tree. Over time, the word "Post" was removed from the sign. So, it became known simply as the Oak Tree. Even though the tree has been replaced a few times, each new tree has been given the same special "deed" to its land.
A Tree's Special Deed
In 1935, E. H. Graves, who used to be the mayor of Eufaula, did something amazing. He officially wrote a document called a "deed." This deed said that the tree owned itself! This meant it owned its roots, its branches, and its trunk.
Imagine a tree owning its own property! It's a very unusual and cool idea. Every tree that has replaced the original one has also received this special deed. This means the tradition continues, and the tree always "owns" its little piece of land.
The Tree's Plaque
There is a big plaque on the fence around the tree. This plaque helps tell the story of this famous tree. It reminds everyone who visits about its unique history.
See also
- List of individual trees
- Plant rights
