Ridiculous History – “Wait! Can a Tree Really Own Itself?”

Podcast: Ridiculous History (iHeartPodcasts)
Hosts: Ben Bowlin, Noel Brown
Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this quirky and informative episode, Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown dive into the bizarre legend of “the tree that owns itself” in Athens, Georgia. Through playful banter and deep dives into southern history, legal oddities, and local legends, the hosts seek to answer if a tree can legally have ownership over itself and the land it stands on—or if the whole thing is a uniquely Athens tall tale. Along the way, they spotlight the social and historical significance of the story, the local color of Athens, and more broadly, what it means to love and care for community landmarks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Hosts’ Tree Appreciation (00:51–03:48)

• The show opens with a lighthearted discussion about trees, their beauty, and personal anecdotes.
• Ben shares a story of befriending a local murder of crows who nest in trees outside his home, emphasizing his affection for trees and the creatures they shelter.
  • Quote: "They're thoughtful and avengeful and they're the best friends you can have or the worst enemies. Similar to, like the mafia." – Ben (03:18)

2. Introduction to the Legend (03:48–05:38)

• The topic is introduced: a famous tree in Athens, Georgia, said to legally own itself and the land within eight feet of its base, known as “the tree that owns itself.”
• They set up the episode’s central question: Can a tree truly own itself? Is this legal fact or enduring myth?

3. Athens, Georgia – The Setting and Its Quirks (05:38–08:51)

• Athens is described as a city full of history, music, and eccentric stories (home to bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s).
• The location of the tree: corner of South Finley and Dearing Street.
• The tree is a white oak—botanical name Quercus alba—and is woven into Athens' quirky local traditions and identity.

4. The Origins and Details of the Legend (08:51–13:39)

• According to local lore, the tree supposedly owns itself and the land around it thanks to a deed from Colonel William Henry Jackson.
• The original tree likely started its life between the 16th and 18th centuries but fell in 1942 after a long life.
• A new tree, grown from one of the original’s acorns, now stands in its place and is dubbed the “son of the tree that owns itself.”
• The average lifespan of such oaks is discussed (up to 450 years).

5. Legal Realities: Can a Tree Really Be an Owner? (11:39–13:39, 26:44–32:52)

• In U.S. law, trees aren't recognized as legal entities and are instead part of the property on which they sit.
• The earliest "source" of the legend is a front-page article from the Athens Weekly Banner (1890), written anonymously.
• Details about Colonel William Henry Jackson’s background are provided, but his military rank and personal history are somewhat murky.
• Quote: "It is unusual for a tree to own itself… They're not typically recognized as legal entities with agency in the United States." – Ben (11:39)

6. Unpacking the Deed and the Legend’s Veracity (25:20–32:52, 37:21–41:28)

• Noel performs a dramatic reading of the deed language, capturing its Southern flavor:
  • Quote (Athens Weekly Banner/Colonel Jackson): "For and in consideration the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within 8ft of this tree on all sides." (31:10)
• The text of the deed is odd and poetic; the wording is more legend than effective legal instrument.
• No known copy of the deed exists—just references in later articles.
• Noel points out that even if a deed was drawn, "none of this is going to hold up in court" (37:21).

7. Community Response & The Tree’s Modern Place (41:28–44:52)

• The city informally recognizes the legend, and local authorities and the Athens Junior Ladies Garden Club maintain the tree and its grounds.
• The legend lives on more as civic folklore and a symbol of communal care than as a legal precedent.
• Many local families cultivate “descendants” of the original tree by planting its acorns.
• Athens, GA features other quirky landmarks, like the Murmur Trestle and the REM-inspired Music Walk of Fame.

8. How Do “Self-Owned” Trees Get Cared For? (41:28–44:52)

• The current tree (“son of the tree that owns itself”) is officially cared for by the city and the Athens Junior Ladies Garden Club.
• Quote: "They tend to its needs and make sure it's trimmed and watered … They are indeed the Lorax. They speak for the tree that owns itself." – Noel (43:06)
• The original tree fell in 1942 during a windstorm—its successor was planted as a symbol.

9. The Legend’s Broader Meaning and Spread (44:52–48:55)

• Other towns (e.g., in Alabama) have tried the “tree owns itself” idea, but Athens, GA is unique in embracing the folklore and civic tradition.
• The story prompts a playful philosophical question: what non-animal, non-human thing would you give the right to own itself?
  • “The couch,” jokes Noel; “My car, Sylvia,” says Max.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Crows and Trees: “They're the best friends you can have or the worst enemies. Similar to, like the mafia… because, much like the mafia, the crows remember.” – Ben (03:18, 03:26)
• Defining the Legend: “There’s a tree there in Athens that owns itself … Is it just the stuff of legend? If it were to be true, how is it possible?” – Noel (05:03)
• Quirky Athens: “Keep Athens weird, y’all.” – Noel (08:47)
• Legal Doubt: “It is unusual for a tree to own itself… They’re not typically recognized as legal entities with agency in the United States.” – Ben (11:39)
• On the Deed’s Poetry: “It reads like a poem. And it is poetry, especially the way you recited it, Ben.” – Noel (31:16)
• On Proving the Legend: “Only one person … claimed to have seen that bit of paperwork, which is odd. And certainly if it isn’t filed with the county … none of this is going to hold up in court.” – Noel (37:21)
• Legal Loopholes: “One must have the legal capacity to receive such property. It has to be delivered to and accepted by the recipient. This is impossible for a tree to do at present.” – Ben (39:54)
• On Community Care: “They tend to its needs and make sure it’s trimmed and watered … They are indeed the Lorax. They speak for the tree that owns itself.” – Noel (43:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:48] – Introduction to the legend of the tree that owns itself
• [08:51] – The tree’s location and botanical details
• [13:39] – The 1890 Athens Weekly Banner source and background on Col. Jackson
• [26:44] – The odd “deed” and its presentation
• [32:52] – Discussion of legal realities and community sentiment
• [37:21] – Can this legend stand up to legal scrutiny?
• [41:28] – How the tree is cared for today; community stewardship
• [46:05] – The commemorative plaque and official recognition
• [48:55] – Reflections on the legend’s spread, heirloom trees, and personal musings

Episode Tone and Closing Thoughts

The conversation is whimsical and friendly, with plenty of southern flair and good-natured ribbing. Noel and Ben mix deep dives into local legend, U.S. property law, and southern culture with side jokes about Mario Kart, REM, and the challenges of proof in folklore. The episode ultimately suggests that while no, a tree cannot legally own itself, the community’s collective agreement and affection for the legend make it as real as it needs to be for Athens, Georgia.

Final Playful Question: If you could give one non-human, non-animal thing the right to own itself, what would it be? (49:18)

Recommended for:
Anyone who loves oddball history, southern folklore, and the delightful intersection of myth and legal quirks.