In the midst of summer’s heat, Southerners cherish the lush green canopy of trees that offer respite from the humid afternoons. Seeking refuge under the outstretched branches of a majestic tree is a beloved tradition in our region, blending necessity with the simple pleasure and charm of resting under the canopy of an ancient giant. This timeless experience is a yearly craving that transcends seasons.
In the South, certain trees hold more than just picnic potential – they are steeped in history and stories that trace back to the nation’s beginnings. Others are famed for their seasonal blooms, attracting visitors from far and wide. Here are some of the South’s most renowned trees to add to your travel itinerary.
The Tree That Owns Itself
Athens, Georgia
In downtown Athens, a unique spot has captivated locals since the late 1800s. Colonel William H. Jackson cherished a white oak so deeply that he legally deeded the land it grew on to the tree itself. Yes, you read that correctly. This oak owned the property it stood on, along with the 8-foot radius around its trunk where its roots branched out underground.
Despite the legal complexities, Athens embraced The Tree That Owns Itself. When the 400-year-old oak fell victim to a fierce windstorm in 1942, the Junior Ladies Garden Club of Athens stepped in, planting acorns to cultivate a new generation. Today, its successor proudly stands at the corner of Dearing and Finley Streets, cared for by the club and serving as a must-see attraction in the city.
The Tree Spirits
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Artist Keith Jennings kickstarted a creative endeavor in the 1980s on St. Simons Island by sculpting a face into a tree. This first tree spirit sparked a 40-year artistic collaboration involving Jennings and his son. Over two dozen tree spirits now grace the island, with a selection on public display for tourists to discover.
Jennings attributes the unique faces to the guidance of the trees’ inner spirits, which direct his hand as he carves. His son, now continuing the tradition, echoes this sentiment. The tree spirits depict figures ranging from sailors to mythical creatures, each creation a captivating mystery until fully realized.
The Golden Isles Visitor’s Bureau offers a treasure hunt guide to lead visitors on a day-long quest for the renowned tree spirits. The tour highlights 10 tree spirits scattered across the island, with notable stops at Pier Village and the historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, a former seaside dance club turned resort.
Angel Oak
Charleston, South Carolina
Drawing over 400,000 visitors annually, Charleston’s Angel Oak reigns as the East Coast’s largest of its kind. Nestled on Johns Island, this magnificent live oak has sparked speculation that its name stems from its towering height, deemed tall enough for angels to descend from heaven. In reality, the tree’s name is a tribute to an early land
Married under the sprawling limbs of an ancient oak tree were Martha and Justus Angel. This historic oak stands on the grounds of a former plantation, where tales of enslaved spirits haunting its vicinity add to its mystical aura. Towering at over 65 feet with a canopy stretching over 17,000 square feet, the tree is estimated to be between 300 to 400 years old. A enduring beacon in the Holy City, it will continue to be a prominent landmark for years to come.
Plan Your Visit to Andrew Johnson’s Willows in Greenville, Tennessee
Sometimes, a simple gift can have a profound impact. Captain William Francis Lynch obtained a slip from a willow tree that once grew near Napoleon Bonaparte’s original gravesite. He presented this slip to his friend Congressman Andrew Johnson, who later became the 17th President of the United States. Johnson planted the willow at his home, where it still flourishes today.
In 2000, cuttings from the Johnson willows were sent to be replanted near Napoleon’s tomb to replenish the tree population in that area. The cuttings were wrapped in a local Greenville newspaper moistened with water from Johnson’s farm.
Discover the History of Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
In 1912, Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Osaki gifted cherry blossom trees to Helen Taft, wife of President William Taft, as a gesture of goodwill from Japan to the United States. Although the initial 2,000 trees were infested with pests and had to be destroyed, Japan sent 3,020 replacement trees after a plea from the Japanese Ambassador. In return, President Taft later sent dogwood trees to Japan in gratitude for their generosity.
Witness the beauty of Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossom trees during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. This four-week celebration features art, cultural events, and a vibrant parade heralding the arrival of spring.
Explore American Heritage Trees in Lebanon, Tennessee
When Phyllis and Tom Hunter contemplated retirement, they sought a new beginning. Acquiring a family farm in Tennessee with a 223-year history, the couple saw an opportunity for change after long careers in Washington, D.C. As they mulled over the farm’s future, Tom aimed to replace several historic trees sourced from an organization in Florida known as American Forest.
After a tornado razed the Florida farm, American Forest ceased selling historic trees but offered to mentor the Hunters in growing their own. This led to the creation of American Heritage Trees, where the Hunters established connections with owners of exceptionally historic trees nationwide. They propagated descendants of trees like the water oak climbed by Helen Keller and the sugar maple from Amelia Earhart’s birthplace.
Available for purchase are trees from George Washington’s sweet gum at Mount Vernon, southern magnolias from President Jimmy Carter’s farm, and even tree sprouts that journeyed aboard the 1984 Space Shuttle Discovery Flight. For a modest fee, this nonprofit will send
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