Do you ever wander through forests and wonder how people navigated without maps or GPS? In the past, before the age of technology, people had to find creative ways to mark trails, especially when exploring dense forests. Native Americans, in particular, had a fascinating technique – bending trees!
Nowadays, thanks to apps and gadgets, navigation has become a breeze. But let’s dive into the history of this extraordinary trail-marking method. Native Americans would insert a small piece of wood into a tree’s hole and let the tree grow around it. This resulted in a distinct bend or kink in the tree, making it easy to spot.
But how could they differentiate between natural bends and the ones they created? Well, there are a few telltale signs. The trees bent by Native Americans have noticeable features – a prominent nose or a notch at the end of the bend. These unique characteristics make them stand out, as seen in the photo below.
Aside from these visual cues, scars from the straps used during the tree’s youth can also help determine if it was manipulated by humans. These remarkable trees have stood the test of time, with some of them dating back over 150 to 200 years.
According to the American Forests website, these bent trees were not random oddities of nature. They served as vital landmarks, guiding indigenous people through rough terrain, pointing them towards water sources, food, and other important landmarks. As time went on and modern life took shape, the significance of these “trail trees” faded into obscurity. However, their historical value remains priceless.
To preserve and honor these incredible trees, the Mountain Stewards website was created. They have carefully mapped out over 1,000 bent trees across the United States, documenting their exact locations. It’s truly remarkable to think about the stories these trees hold within their majestic branches.
If you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating pieces of history and exploring the bent trees across America, be sure to watch the captivating video below. Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends on Facebook!
