What is an Indian thong tree?

Large trees that exhibit deformed growth and distinctive forms bent in a vertical plane are sometimes labeled trail trees, marker trees, thong trees, or signal trees by enthusiasts. Historically, these unique trees were commonly known as Indian trail trees.

Are Indian marker trees real?

A genuine marker tree is a rare find–only six have been documented in the North Texas area and officially recognized by the Comanche Nation. Research can take years to complete and submit to Indian officials.

What does a bent tree in the forest mean?

According to the American Forest website, those bent trees are a trail marker for Native Americans to show safe passage; they are called Trail Trees.

How old are Indian marker trees?

The group’s process to verify a tree is indeed an Indian marker includes age, it must be at least 150 to 200 years old, and finding marks that show where the tree was tied down. The Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society’s website has a bevy of photographs of Indian marker trees.

How do I identify an Indian trail tree?

To be a trail tree, first of all, it must be old enough to have been alive when Native American tribes still lived in the area. The bend is about four or five feet off the ground. The bend bend is a sharp right angle. The tree then runs parallel the earth for a measure, and turns sharply up again, towards the sky.

Did Native Americans bend trees for markers?

The ancient marker trees marked Native American graves, camp sites, water, trails or “just about anything,” Wells said. “They bent trees. This was their maker, their sign,” he said.

Why did Indians bent trees?

If you’ve ever seen an oddly bent tree in our local woods, you may have happened upon a trail tree. These special trees are unique. Created by Native Americans as navigational tools, they represent ancient trail markers that helped them traverse long distances with ease.

Why do Indians bend trees?

To mark trails, river crossings, or important sites such as Pikes Peak in Colorado, Native Americans would bend young trees into shapes that were not found in nature, such as right angles. Once moulded, saplings would retain these unusual shapes throughout their lives. The exact shape and tree species may vary greatly.

What do the trail trees do?

Are bent trees Indian markers?

Are trail trees rare?

The tree – known as a trail tree – is a rare and respected ancient messenger. It is one of a handful of trail trees known to exist on or near the Tuscarora Reservation. The trees were modified by Native Americans centuries ago to point the way to landmarks or destinations.