There are many reasons to appreciate and love trees. They provide provide food for humans and animals alike. In addition, history has shown that they’ve provided shelter to soldiers in time of war and animals who seek warmth and escape from predators. But what a lot of people do not realize is how trees were once used to mark directions around the United States. People are now dependent on GPS (and even paper maps), but indigenous people in our country used trees to mark areas and trails for direction.
Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans all across America would purposefully bend sapling’s trunks in order to assist other Native Americans in their tribe while navigating. These trees would have horizontal bends or odd-shaped kinks in the trunks directing tribes in a direction toward food and water (or point them to specific landmarks). Many of these trees have grown and maintained their shape, creating an interesting glimpse into American history.
It is important to point out, however, that not all oddly-shaped trees are necessarily Trail Marker Trees. Instead, they could be trees struck by lightning or other severe weather or larger trees may fall on the smaller trees, causing the deformity in the trunks.
These fascinating Trail Marker Trees exist all throughout the country, and have even been documented and preserved in our backyard. Monterey, in Putnam County, Tennessee, contains a confirmed Trail Marker Tree within its borders. Though this historic tree is located on a privately-owned piece of landscape, it’s just a reminder that these trees exist across 39 states. Organizations like the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition, Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society and the Mountain Stewards in Georgia are working to identify, preserve and protect these trees for years to come.
Do you have an oddly-shaped or horizontal tree on your property? Have you hiked through Percy Warner or Beaman Park and seen these strange-looking trees? It’s possible it could be a mark of history! Call the Parke Company today to asses if the tree is, in fact, a Trailer Marker Tree. If it’s not, it’s important to have the tree inspected for potential health care or damage issues. Call them today!