This tree has damage at the bend so I’m not sure if it is a Trail Marker Tree
Trail Marker Trees are hardwood trees that were intentionally shaped by Native Americans throughout North America with distinctive characteristics that convey that the tree was shaped by man rather than a tree simply deformed by nature or disease.(Trail Trees)
I read about these trees years ago and have always been on the lookout for them. There are lots of controversy about these trees and I’m not sure what I think about them.
These distinctively shaped trees have been photographed and documented in the Great Lakes Region by scientists and historians since the early 1800′s.
The trees were bent over forming an arch and held in place by securing them to a stake in the ground or tying them to a large stone with a leather strap or vine. During this process a new branch would be allowed to grow skyward on the top of the arch forming a new trunk. The old trunk would then be removed creating the knob, one of the distinctive characteristics of the Trail Marker Trees.
A web site aimed at documenting Trail Trees: Trail Tree Project
An article written by a photography friend: Indian Trail Trees by Ricky Hobbs
So what do you think? Are these unique trees, or just oddities of nature? Have you ever seen one?
Photo is from the 1890′s supplied by Lakes Region Historical Society, Lake County, IL.
6 Comments
Totally interesting photos and information
How interesting!
I think your picture looks like one for sure! Couldn’t the damage have come from an animal of some sort, or a fungus, after the fact?
C
You maybe right Cindy! I need to go back to this tree and get photos of the damage.
There is an excellent and very extensive new book out called Native American Trail Marker Trees, Marking Paths Through the Wilderness. It is written by Dennis Downes, the leading authority on the Trail Marker Trees. Check it out.
Thank you Gail for the info on the book.
Very interesting. I will be on the lookout!