These “Marker Trees” Were Used By Native Americans For A Very Special Purpose

- on 2:34:00 PM

Unless you live in the middle of a bustling city, trees are probably something you take for granted. They surround us almost everywhere we go, making it hard not to forget about their existence every once in a while.

The average person can most likely identify a few types of trees, like an oak or a pine, but the rest of them sort of blend together after a while. There are a few trees across the United States, however, that you can’t help but pay attention to when you come across them in the wilderness.

Referred to as “marker trees,” these natural structures were a way for Native Americans to communicate important information from nation to nation. You can always spot a marker tree by its curved trunk, which makes it look more alien than earthly. Today, marker trees are becoming harder and harder to find, but, thanks to Dennis Downes, these gorgeous landmarks will be preserved for years to come. Check out the images below to learn more about these mysterious trees and the special purpose they served in Native American cultures.

Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans navigated the land without any help from Google Maps or Yelp.

Native American Trail Marker Trees

They relied on nature to help them find their way and send important messages to one another.

Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society

Have you ever seen a tree shaped like this?

Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society

They’re called “marker trees” or “trail trees,” and they held a wealth of information for Native Americans. Believe it or not, these trees were manipulated to grow in specific directions.

Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society

Members of different nations would use these trees to mark borders and guide travelers toward food and water. This tree stands in between two neighboring nations, which explains why its trunk points in two different directions.