A Tree That Owns Itself

As I was scanning the Athens area of Georgia, a particular tree caught my attention: The Tree That Owns Itself. It is a white oak tree among many others on the street corner of Dearing Street and Finley Street. However, this tree is special in that it supposedly owns itself and the land around it. The legend has it that William Henry Jackson, a professor at the University of Georgia, deeded the land and the tree to itself in 1820 so that it would forever be protected. The trunk of the tree seems to be swollen, and the leaves are scattered all around, giving a sense of both age and beauty. The interesting fact is that there is no other similar case of self-ownership in the world. The tree has been replaced a few times, but the original deed still stands. It is an amazing sight!