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      • Hiking Trails
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      • Cycling
      • Gardens
      • Sandy Creek Park
      • Geocaching
      • UGA Football
      • Visit the SEC Pass
    • Free Things to Do
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      • Boulevard
      • Cobbham
      • Five Points
      • Normaltown
      • Downtown Athens
    • Family Friendly Attractions
    • Arts and Culture
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Performing Arts
      • Public Art
        • Bulldog Statues
      • Creative Community
    • Shopping
      • Coupons & Deals
      • Local Products
    • Tours
      • Historic Athens Tours
      • Music History Walking Tour
      • Day Trips from Athens
    • Itineraries
    • Nightlife
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Pet Friendly
    • Women Owned
    • LGBTQ+ Things to do
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    • Itineraries
      • Two Nights Open Spaces
      • A Day in Athens
      • Two Days in Athens
      • Three Days in Athens
      • Girlfriends Getaway
      • Family Fun Itinerary
      • Bands and Brews
      • Heritage and Garden
      • Art and Culture
      • Sports and Recreation
      • Foodie Itineraries
      • Romance Itinerary
      • LGBTQ+ Itinerary
    • Welcome Center
      • Pumpkins on the Porch Contest
    • Visitors Guide
    • FAQ
      • Trivia
      • Helpful Information
      • Alcohol Sales
    • Heritage
      • Attractions
      • History of Athens
      • Athens Historic Districts
      • Black Heritage
      • Genealogy Resources
    • Coupons & Deals
    • Enewsletter Signup
    • Blog
    • Getting Here & Getting Around: Transportation to Athens
    • Resources
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    • Ready Set Go Safely
    • map
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    • Annual Events & Festivals
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      • Football Hotel Availability
      • Bulldog Traditions
      • G-Day: UGA Spring Football Game
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    • All UGA Sports
    • Spring in Athens
    • Submit an Event
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    • Craft Breweries
    • Black Owned Restaurants
    • Downtown Athens Restaurants
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    • Farmers Markets
    • Group Dining
    • Foodie Events
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    • Near UGA
    • Near The Classic Center
    • Downtown Athens Hotels
    • Pet-Friendly
    • Bed & Breakfast
    • Camping/RV
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    • Athens Music Walk of Fame
    • Concert Calendar
    • The Athens Sound
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Tree that Owns Itself
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The Tree that Owns Itself

  • Corner of Finley St. and Dearing St., One block off Broad St., Athens, GA 30601

"The Tree that Owns Itself," which is located at the top of the steep hill where Dearing and Finley Streets intersect, is probably the most unusual property holder in the world. The tree pays no taxes, is protected by the community and rests secure in its own enclosed garden-type lot. In addition, this unique tree has be featured in Ripley's "Believe it or Not" and has received regular attention from newspapers and magazines from around the world.


The land on which the tree stands was originally owned by Col. William H. Jackson, a professor at the University of Georgia. Legend has it that in the early 1800s, Professor Jackson, out of love for the  great oak, deeded to the tree ownership of itself and the land within eight feet of it on all sides.  The marker at the foot of the tree reads as follows: "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."  An original deed has not been located, but the Athens community has recognized the tree's title to the surrounding land and has taken measures to protect the tree.  Philanthropist George Foster Peabody paid to install the enclosure surrounding the tree.


The original tree became diseased and was blown down in a windstorm on October 9, 1942, and a new tree was grown from one of its acorns.  The Junior Ladies Garden Club grew a sapling from one of the tree's acorns and planted it on the same spot October 9, 1946.


Its property rights have never been questioned.


 











 

 

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