Old Slave Tree
A thousand-year-old live oak, one of America's oldest, offering a glimpse into deep history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier access
Old Slave Tree
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thousand-year-old live oak, one of America's oldest, offering a glimpse into deep history.
"Majestic tree, not much to do once you have taken a pic or 2."
Check Access Hours
Gate may be locked on Sundays. Verify visiting hours before your trip. :clock1:
Respect Private Property
The tree is on private grounds. Be mindful and respectful during your visit. 🙏
Quick Facts
Rating
3.5 · 22 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Live Oak
George Museum grounds
A thousand-year-old live oak, potentially the oldest in America. A truly ancient and awe-inspiring sight.
The Mysterious Chain
Attached to the tree
A piece of chain embedded in the tree, adding to its mystique and historical narrative.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Access Hours
Gate may be locked on Sundays. Verify visiting hours before your trip. :clock1:
Respect Private Property
The tree is on private grounds. Be mindful and respectful during your visit. 🙏
TIL the “Tree That Owns Itself” is a white oak tree in Athens, GA, that is widely assumed to legally own itself and the eight feet of land surrounding it. According to newspapers, a deed written by Colonel William Jackson was written to the tree, giving ownership of the land to itself in the 1800s.
The tree's property is walled off with stone, and even the road is diverted slightly to go around it. It's slightly underwhelming in person, but a neat concept.
Learn the Full Story
Visit the George Museum for accurate historical context beyond the 'slave tree' label. 📚
Photo Opportunity
Great spot for a quick photo, but not much else to do once you've seen it. 📷
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Access Hours
Gate may be locked on Sundays. Verify visiting hours before your trip. :clock1:
Respect Private Property
The tree is on private grounds. Be mindful and respectful during your visit. 🙏
Learn the Full Story
Visit the George Museum for accurate historical context beyond the 'slave tree' label. 📚
Photo Opportunity
Great spot for a quick photo, but not much else to do once you've seen it. 📷
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Old Slave Tree to be a majestic and ancient landmark, often described as a thousand-year-old live oak. However, many note that the 'slave tree' moniker is inaccurate, as it was likely a sapling during that era, and the chain is a later addition. It's considered a quick photo opportunity rather than an extensive activity.
"It's not a slave tree, just a normal tree where they stuck a piece of chain in to attract people. The tree would have been a sapling in the slave times. No tickets are needed, you just walk into their front yard."
Amber Van Heerden
"Tree is actually at the George Museum ... interesting stories as to why the lock and chain is actually there."
Craig VD Plank
"Tree is cut. Probably started to die. Gate is locked (on Sunday) so could not get close."
MikeV
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Slave Tree is located on the grounds of the George Museum. It's a private property, so access is managed by the museum.
Parking is typically available at the George Museum. It's best to confirm parking availability with the museum directly.
No, access is restricted to museum hours. The gate may be locked on certain days, like Sundays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are needed to see the tree itself, as it's on the museum grounds. However, you must visit during their operating hours.
The tree is accessible during the George Museum's operating hours. It's crucial to check their schedule as it can vary and gates may be locked.
There is no separate admission fee for the tree, but you are visiting private property. Entry is typically free during museum hours.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is viewing the ancient live oak and its embedded chain. It's a popular spot for a quick photo and reflection.
While the tree is ancient, there have been reports of it being cut or starting to die. It remains a significant historical landmark.
The chain is a later addition to attract visitors and add to the tree's mystique. The tree itself was likely a sapling during the slave era.
It's best to observe the tree respectfully without touching it to help preserve its ancient structure.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scale of the tree and the detail of the chain. Consider the surrounding grounds for context.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of the private property and any museum policies.
Social
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