Lone Tree Map
Lone Tree is a city in southeastern Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Iowa City, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,151 at the 2000 census.
Lone Tree derives its name from a giant elm that grew nearby in the pioneer era. As the only tree between the Iowa and Cedar Rivers, it served as a prairie landmark. This elm stood on a slight hill south of town. Local legend has it that the tree was so large, buffalo grazed under its expansive branches. It escaped prairie fires because of the lack of grass around the tree. The tree succumbed to the Dutch Elm disease of the 1960s, although valiant efforts were made to save it. The wood from the tree was used to make a sign denoting the tree's home on the hill southeast of the city limits.
The town had a moment of horrific fame during the economic crisis of the 1980s. On December 9, 1985 a local farmer, Dale Burr, became distraught over losing his farm. He shot his wife Emily in their home. He then attempted to cash a check and when rebuffed, returned with a shotgun and killed town banker John Hughes. Next on his list was his neighbor Richard Goody, who had recently won a court settlement against Burr's son. When pulled over by Johnson County sheriff's, Burr shot himself fatally. The story was captured in Bruce Brown's book, Lone Tree.
Nearby cities include West Liberty, Iowa City, West Branch, Kalona, Coralville.