Greensburg, Indiana is known as "Tree City." So, it seems appropriate that Greensburg, Indiana's courthouse is also home to one of the state's more unique trees - sometimes called the "Courthouse Tree," it's a 100+ year old Aspen Tree that first showed signs of life when a small sprig popped out of the courthouse tower and was noticed by Greensburg residents in the early 1870's.
Before long, a small sprig became several sprigs. Years later, the courthouse tree is acknowledged everywhere from Weird Indiana to Atlas Obscura. It's a unique feature in an otherwise beautiful, rather idyllic Indiana city.
I have family in Greensburg and have also done some outreach events in the city. I've also served as a judge for the city's Tenderloin Throwdown at least three times. Greensburg has a beautiful town square and the Decatur County Courthouse is at the heart of it.
The tree, or trees, have existed 110-feet above ground level ever since. However, it's worth noting that the original tree is long gone. It seems that new sprouts take root and the courthouse hasn't been without its famed tree since those early years.
The courthouse is a functioning courthouse. Greensburg is a city of approximately 11,000 and it seems they've come to delight with the fame of their courthouse. The current tree has been positively identified as a Mulberry Tree.
Steeplejacks have worked on the tree to ensure the ongoing strength and durability of the courthouse.
Truthfully, other than having a tree growing out of it the courthouse is a rather beautiful but ordinary courthouse. However, if you want to make a day trip Greensburg is certainly a beautiful place to go and you'll have to stop and check out the Courthouse Tree. It's free to look at, of course, but actually going in the building would need to be during business hours. The courthouse square does have a Christmas tree lighting each year and Greensburg hosts festivals throughout much of the year on the square (including the Tenderloin Throwdown).
In terms of accessibility, Greensburg has lots of free parking on the square. The courthouse has an accessible entrance and does surprisingly well considering the age of the building.
The tree? Well, it's not accessible. read more