Few Hoosiers know that Indiana is home to an obscure courthouse. Located in southern Indiana, there’s something about this place that isn’t quite right. The strange phenomenon taking place at this county courthouse is absolutely mind-boggling. Check it out:
Southeast of Indianapolis, the town of Greensburg, Indiana is the seat of Decatur County. It has a population of just over 11,000 residents, and it is well-known for its own local oddity.
Wikimedia Commons/Derek Jensen
No one knows why a family of trees is growing out of this brick and stone structure, but it’s been going on for nearly 150 years. The first sprout was noticed in the 1870s when it was just a small shrub growing 110 feet above the ground below.
Wikimedia Commons/Dopey9928
In 1888, the town planned to remove some of the tree for fear that it was damaging the courthouse. At this time, it was determined that there were actually two whole Large Tooth Aspen trees growing out of the building.
Wikimedia Commons/Nyttend Though the original trees were thought to be Aspens, the species that grows atop this tower today are better known as Mulberry trees.
Though the original trees have died and been removed, new sprigs have taken their place, and this cycle continues to this day. If you ask a local how the tree is fed, they may tell you its due to the springs in the clock.
Wikimedia Commons/Calvin Beale Of course, this obscure courthouse comes with tree jokes. Can you think of any?
Every town has something that puts them on the map, and this unique and out-of-place tree is Greensburg’s. You can stop by this town any time of year to see the tree in all its glory.
Flickr_Don O’Brien
The Decatur County Courthouse is located at 150 Courthouse Sq., Greensburg, IN 47240, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Have you ever visited this obscure courthouse? If so, share your photos with us below in the comments.
Wikimedia Commons/Derek Jensen
Wikimedia Commons/Dopey9928
Wikimedia Commons/Nyttend
Though the original trees were thought to be Aspens, the species that grows atop this tower today are better known as Mulberry trees.
Wikimedia Commons/Calvin Beale
Of course, this obscure courthouse comes with tree jokes. Can you think of any?
Flickr_Don O’Brien
For more like this, check out the six weirdest things that have ever happened in Indiana.
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