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    The Tree That Owns Itself

    4.7 (15 reviews)

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    Jeremy J.

    This is called the tree that owns itself. In Athens Georgia for some reason there is a tree and it's called credit on that self I don't know why I don't know the story it's got a sign outside it talks about the history of it and what's going on but it's a cool thing to check out and I like little side traction places like this

    Jamarcus T.

    Here in Athens for a training session for work, I got a text that while I'm there, I should go find the tree that owns itself! Intrigued at a tree dabbling in land ownership, I sought it out! You find The tree at the corner of Dearing st and s. Finley st, and right in front of you is a tree, surrounded by stones/chains. This tree is actually not the original tree, which was evicted by a wind storm in 1942. The story goes that residents placed a seedling of the original tree in the same spot, and the rest is history! With that said if you're looking for a huge awe inspiring tree, you might be a bit underwhelmed. As another reviewer mentioned, it's a fine tree....but it's not some huge oak tree that's going to give you some savvy land owning tips. It will grow into that spot I'm sure, as long as it doesn't hang out with the wrong crowd. Still, the history of the tree is really cool...afterall, how many trees do YOU know that own land, as well as itself, even if it was just inherited? There is no parking here, although a coworker and I parked on Dearing st, which is a residential street. With that said we were only there for maybe 3 to 5 minutes. So for the son of the Tree that owns itself, would I make a special trip to go see it? No. But if you live close to the area or are driving through, it's worth a stop in!

    View from the street.
    Nicole M.

    On a corner in an older neighborhood in Athens, there is a tree with a chain around it and a plaque in front. Here's the jist of what I know: This seemingly normal tree has a history of its own! Originally, according to a legend printed initially in an area newspaper on 12 August 1890, Colonel William H. Jackson's will deeded the tree possession of itself as well as the land within eight feet of its trunk. Property rights haven't been contested to my knowledge. The original tree fell over during a wind storm on 9 October 1942. Not wanting the unique story behind it to die, members of the Junior Ladies Garden Club of Athens decided to replace it. The members gathered acorns from the site and began carefully growing a second-generation white oak to replace the original. Four years later, on 4 December 1946, the Garden Club members planted the little sapling that stands tall to this day as the Tree That Owns Itself. (This information was gathered from online sources.)

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    2 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    5 years ago

    I've never been there, But look at him, he's so wholesome. It's awesome how he has his own rights, Like all trees should.

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

    The epitome of Athens and all of its quirkiness. For visitors with kids, it's fun to read the book and then go by and visit the tree.

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    10 years ago

    wow so glad i drove 2 hours to see this tree. it is so liberated and inspiring. 5/5 best tree in ga. #1 thing to do in athens

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    9 years ago

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    Review Highlights - The Tree That Owns Itself

    Jackson's will deeded the tree possession of itself as well as the land within eight feet of its trunk.

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    Georgia Museum of Art - Tiffany glass

    Georgia Museum of Art

    4.4(23 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    At the beginning of the day, I was not even sure that we'd visit here. However, their website noted…read morethat you had to make an advanced reservation to be admitted (per my understanding), so I dutifully made a reservation for 2. As it happened, we were able to make it here around 2:15 p.m. or so on a Saturday. We had visited once before over a decade previously, so I had no real recollection of it. The museum is located within a mile of the loop highway around Athens. We arrived and parked in the covered deck. To access the museum, you then walk down away from where you entered. I found the front desk and offered to show the young woman staffing it our tickets. She said that she did not have a way to actually scan those, so we were waived in... I liked a wall-exhibit as you enter: large letters spelling 'WELCOME' but formed from several types of mounted security cameras (none or some of which may be active...). You ascend a long stairway. to your left is some temporary exhibits. These were more of the 'modern art' variety. A series of rooms about Hiroshima and another room with sensory nausea-inducing video. In the opposite direction are the more static galleries. These are laid out roughly in accordance with art styles or time periods. There is a room devoted to colonial / antebellum Georgia, one devoted to Impressionism, one to 1930's Depression-era works, etc. I enjoyed these more than I did the modern wing. We finihsed up and headed out within an hour. The exhibit is free. Unless there is some travelling exhibit that is of particular interest, I don't think I'll likely be back within another decade, though.

    You may head to Athens because of UGA sports. (Go Dawgs!) Perhaps you have kids attending the…read moreuniversity. Possibly you take the drive to eat at chef Hugh Atcheson's acclaimed "Five & Ten" restaurant. But are you familiar with the Georgia Museum of Art? Reason in itself to visit Athens. With a diversity of exhibits in galleries filling the second floor, you're bound to view something -- perhaps many things -- that stops you in your tracks. Representation by the de Koonings, Renoir, Cassatt, Okeefe and other acclaimed artists, you will also be turned on to talent you likely haven't heard of. I was captivated by the photography of Jim Fiscus as well as the gallery featuring work of black artists. Regarding logistics: the museum is open every day except Monday. Check their website for hours. Parking is free, as is the museum. But if you can, consider putting a few dollars in the kitty to help defray expenses.

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    Georgia Museum of Art
    Georgia Museum of Art
    Georgia Museum of Art - Tiffany glass

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    Tiffany glass

    Trail Creek Trestle - A unique and lovely structure.

    Trail Creek Trestle

    5.0(1 review)
    1.0 mi

    Today I was driving through Athens, Georgia when I can across a strange but beautiful sight. It was…read morean old wooden railroad trestle that seemed to suddenly and abruptly stop in a field along Poplar Street. Being the curious soul that I am, I stopped to take a few pictures and marked my location on my GPS so I could use it to create a yelp page later if I found the trestle to be of any historic significance. My hunch was right, it is indeed significant. I discovered this trestle was once part of the CSX railroad system that connected Athens to Atlanta and the world. CSX offered the old decaying rail system to the city, but city officials declined and in the year 2000, CSX began demolition of the old trestle. However, the mayor underestimated just how important this piece of history was not only to Athens, but the music world as well. You see, the 1980's band R.E.M. used this particular trestle as the cover photo for their 1983 album titled Murmur. It was Rolling Stones "Album of the Year". The band was from Athens, GA and the album cover as well as the trestle itself had become iconic to the bands fans around the world. Protests over the demolition of the trestle broke out and forced the city to negotiate with CSX to halt demolition of the structure. Unfortunately much of the trestle had already been destroyed, but thankfully a major portion of it was saved. I hear the city has plans to use it as a tourist attraction, but in the meantime it stands untouched since demolition halted. Still, it is a gorgeous site that presents unique and rustic photo opportunities. You can still see the concrete base for the trestle that once went over Poplar Street. Use the entrance to the North Oconee River Greenway Trail just behind Mama's Boy restaurant (on the corner of Oak and Poplar) to view the remaining concrete pillars where the railroad continued across the Oconee River. R.E.M album cover (front) - http://sleevage.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/5561106c734c1008ba3262ce25a4d915.jpg R.E.M album cover (rear) - http://www.caratulas.com/caratulas/R/rem/rem-murmur-Trasera.jpg R.E.M full album - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8FbkyyuqG0 FINAL THOUGHTS I had a good feeling this structure had to be of some significance and I'm so glad I stopped to investigate. If you are fond of old bridges like I am, Athens has a treasure trove of 1800's covered bridges within a 30 minute drive of this location. It would make a great lazy Sunday afternoon drive! Be sure to bring your camera :-) Covered Bridges within 1/2 hour to 45 minute drive: Elder's Mill Watson Mill Bridge Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge Howard's Covered Bridge Enjoy!

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    Trail Creek Trestle - Trail Creek

    Trail Creek

    Trail Creek Trestle - Trail Creek

    Trail Creek

    Trail Creek Trestle - I had to stop when I saw this!

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    I had to stop when I saw this!

    The Tree That Owns Itself - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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