Eufaula in Barbour County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Tree That Owns Itself
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017
1. The Tree That Owns Itself Plaque
Planned and Dedicated
April 19, 1961
Replacing the Walker Oak
Felled by Wind April 9, 1961
Original Deed Granted by
City of Eufaula
to the
Post Oak Tree
April 8, 1936
"Only God Can Make a Tree"
Erected by the International Paper Company.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1961.
Location. 31° 53.903′ N, 85° 8.764′ W. Marker is in Eufaula, Alabama, in Barbour County. Marker is at the intersection of Cotton Avenue and Highland Avenue on Cotton Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 512 Cotton Avenue, Eufaula AL 36027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vietnam Veteran Park (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hart House (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Fairview Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Negro Cemetery / Fairview Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fire Bell from B. Young Fire Company
this page online
Regarding The Tree That Owns Itself. For more than 200 years, the tree had stood in a yard that was owned by Confederate Capt. John A. Walker. In 1919 the oak tree withstood a tornado and later also survived a fire. The Eufaula Garden Club. in 1936, wanted to ensure the 65-foot-tall, 85-foot-wide, tree survived for another 200 years. A petition to the city council asked then Alabama Lt. Gov. Charles S. McDowell to draw up a "deed of sentiment" to deed the tree to itself. A fence and marker were erected, but in 1961 the tree was felled by a tornado. Since then, the tree has been replaced several times.
Another "Tree that Owns Itself" is located in Athens, Georgia.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017
2. The Tree That Owns Itself
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017
3. The Tree That Owns Itself Fence & Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 959 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 5, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
