Tree That Owns Itself (Alabama tree) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Tree That Owns Itself |
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 The Tree That Owns Itself
Location in Alabama
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| 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. This tree is famous because it legally owns the land it stands on. It's a unique story about a tree that was given its own property.
The first tree in this spot was called the Walker Oak. It was named after Captain John A. Walker, who owned the land before. In 1935, the mayor of Eufaula, E. H. Graves, decided to give the tree its freedom. He wrote a special document, called a deed, to make the tree the owner of its own land.
Sadly, the original Walker Oak was destroyed in 1961. A strong tornado hit the area and knocked it down. But the story didn't end there! A new tree was planted to take its place. This new tree also received the same special deed. Since then, if a tree needs replacing, the new one always gets the deed too.
How Did the Tree Own Itself?
In 1935, E. H. Graves, who was the mayor of Eufaula, made a very unusual decision. He created a legal document, known as a deed. This deed officially gave the tree ownership of itself. It included everything from its roots deep in the ground to its highest branches.
The deed said that the "Post Oak Tree" owned itself. It was not seen as a person or a company. Instead, it was called a "creation and gift of the Almighty." This meant the tree owned its parts for as long as it lived. Every tree planted in its place since then has also received this special deed.
What Does the Plaque Say?
There is a large metal sign, or plaque, near the tree. It is attached to the fence around the tree. This plaque tells the story of the tree for everyone to read.
The plaque explains that the current tree was planted on April 19, 1961. It replaced the original Walker Oak. The first tree was knocked down by strong winds on April 9, 1961. The plaque also mentions that the City of Eufaula gave the original deed to the tree on April 8, 1936. A famous saying is also written on the plaque: "ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE." The International Paper Company helped plant the replacement tree.
