The Tree that Owns Itself
http://www.visitathensga.com/listings/index.cfm?listingID=234&menuID=299The land on which the tree stands was originally owned by Col. William H. Jackson, a professor at the University of Georgia. Legend has it that in the early 1800s, Professor Jackson, out of love for the great oak, deeded to the tree ownership of itself and the land within eight feet of it on all sides. The marker at the foot of the tree reads as follows: "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." An original deed has not been located, but the Athens community has recognized the tree's title to the surrounding land and has taken measures to protect the tree. Philantrhopist George Foster Peabody paid to install the enclosure surrounding the tree.
The original tree became diseased and was blown down in a windstorm on October 9, 1942, and a new tree was grown from one of its acorns. The Junior Ladies Garden Club grew a sapling from one of the tree's acorns and planted it on the same spot October 9, 1946.
Its property rights have never been questioned.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Gives a whole new meaning to "board meeting."
I hear the tree/corp started with a few products, then branched out into other markets.
A few years ago there were allegations of tax fraud, but investigators quickly discovered they were barking up the wrong tree.
A follow-up investigation got to the root of the problem.
You may think I'm nuts ... but don't call me a sap ... just leaf me alone!!!!
... pretty good there. You made me laugh.
I was going to add my own pun here, but I was stumped.
My family and I drive by and walk by that cannon all the time.
The Tree is a wonderful part of Athens.
If you are ever here, please PM me so we can meet up!
I've met and heard in concert all of the rem guys.
They are true Democrats!
We have a great one near my home town with a county park dedicated to it. They are dearly loved by the people of the South.
Once one considers that theroot system and leaves are as much part of the tree as the trunk itself is. From the picture, the deed is probably being violated 
