The Old Town Bur Oak is a magnificent tree which has survived the rich historical events and many storms of Williamson County.
The oak, located at historic Old Town on the Old Natchez Trace, stands in a botanical garden at 75 feet tall and is believed to have been planted in the late 1870s and possibly planted in memorial of Thomas Brown, who built the two-story Greek Revival home overlooking the Harpeth River in 1846, or perhaps in celebration of the nation’s centennial in 1876.
Photo courtesy of Laura Turner
Now, the Old Town Bur Oak is on the Landmark, Historic and Heritage Tree Registry as a Landmark Tree, nominated by current property owners Sen. Bill and Tracy Frist.
When the Frists nominated the tree to members of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, they called the Old Town Bur Oak a “living heart of our state-certified arboretum,” which has continued to “play a vital role in bringing together leaders, conservationists,and community members from around the world.”
The ancient tree, they wrote in their nomination letter, continues to help shape the community’s understanding of conservation and history.
“The Old Town Bur Oak embodies everything the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council’s Registry was created to celebrate and protect. It is a tree with documented historical significance, proven community value, and ongoing relevance to Tennessee’s conservation future,” the Frists wrote.
In spring 2026, a celebration by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council will be held in honor of the Old Town Bur Oak’s official recognition.
Laura Turner, advocate and educator at Citizens for Old Natchez Trace, said the magnificent oak is 55.5 inches in circumference and has a canopy of 106 feet.
“A landmark tree is commonly recognized as an established feature of a community confirmed as a significant part of the community’s heritage and planted to commemorate special events or community leaders more than 50 years ago,” Turner said.
The historic area of Old Town itself is fascinating, she said, but it’s the Bur Oak that has always taken people’s breath away — and has for countless years.
Upon Turner’s interest in learning more about another local tree — Francis, a pecan tree in downtown Franklin — her fascination with the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council grew because the program “tells tree’s stories.”
Hoping to raise awareness of the council, Turner asks the community to never be shy about nominating a tree for this respected recognition, as these trees are part of what makes Williamson County so special.
“It’s such an awesome tree,” she said. “It’s always commented on, and that’s the definition of landmark trees: they’re significant to the community and a lot of people here know about the Bur Oak at Old Town. It’s always been a landmark.”
The Frists’ nomination letter further stated that what makes the Old Town Bur Oak remarkable is its continuous role as a focal point for “meaningful human connection.”
“From the Mississippian peoples who first called this place ‘Old Town’ over a thousand years ago, to today’s conservation leaders, this oak has served as a constant reminder of our responsibility to protect our natural heritage,” the letter said.
The Old Town Bur Oak is located at 2031 Old Natchez Trace, Franklin. To learn more or get involved with the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council by inspiring and empowering people to plant, grow and sustain healthy forests, visit www.tufc.com.