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The famous "Tree that Owns Itself" is a white oak located in Athens, GA. The original tree was granted a plot of land 8 ft. in radius by its owner. The official deed reads:
FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION
OF THE GREAT LOVE I BEAR
THIS TREE AND THE GREAT DESIRE
I HAVE FOR ITS PROTECTION
FOR ALL TIME, I CONVEY ENTIRE
POSSESSION OF ITSELF AND
ALL LAND WITHIN EIGHT FEET
OF THE TREE ON ALL SIDES
WILLIAM H. JACKSON
The original tree was felled by a windstorm in 1942, after it had grown too old and feeble to survive. In an effort to preserve Jackson's wishes, residents of Athens planted a seedling of the original tree in the same spot. The current tree is thriving at the corner of Dearing and Finley Streets, in its original plot of land. For more information, contact the Athens Junior Ladies Garden Club:
