Stranger things in Georgia: Find our more about the tree that owns itself in Athens

There are plenty of trees near the intersection of Dearing and South Finley streets in Athens, but only one is a longtime local landmark.

"The Tree that Owns Itself" is a large white oak circled by a chain for protection and marked by an old plaque that reads the following message from William H. Jackson written in 1832: "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."

Jackson was reportedly a colonel and a professor at the University of Georgia, according to Visit Athens. An original deed has not been located, but the community has respected Jackson's wishes.

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However, the tree that stands today is not the original 400-year-old oak. The oak became diseased was felled during a storm in 1942. But, in order to honor the tradition, the local Junior Ladies Garden Club gathered acorns from the tree and began growing a second-generation white oak to grow on the original's site. In 1946, the club planted the sapling which stands as a tall, full tree today.

For 50 years the club has maintained the historic tree site. In 1996, a community birthday celebration was held with local officials and Junior Ladies’ original president in attendance.

The tree is located at 277 South Finley St. For those interested in visiting it, keep in mind that it's located in a residential neighborhood with narrow roads.