Athens, Georgia: Tree That Owns Itself

Historic oak tree that legally owns itself and the land on which it grows.

Be careful where you park, as it's a narrow street.

The Tree that Owns Itself is just so characteristic of the Athens flair for cute lunacy. It's located on Finley Street (the only original cobblestone street in Athens), which connects Broad and Baxter Streets, and is fitted out with a small stone monument to distinguish it from other, less-historical trees. The Tree that Owns Itself would be more accurately named Son of the Tree that Owns Itself, since the original tree died of natural causes many years ago. The current Tree in the chained-off area is (I think)a middle-aged pin oak, grown from an acorn of the previous occupant. See what I mean? Athens just can't resist the lure of romantic landmarks.

I was impressed to see that your book made mention of two sites in Athens, GA: Tree that Owns Itself, Double Barreled Cannon. I just spent four years in Athens and they are the pride of the town! I would like to make mention of one small detail about the Cannon that you may have missed. In all the literature and in all the stories told it is joked that the Cannon is pointing north "just in case". I found this to be the best part about it since I am originally from the north and the cannon truly does point north.