Sunday, December 29, 2013

Indian Trail Trees

Since my arrival in Georgia I've been learning more about my Native American ancestry and the history of this area. My great grandmother, a Cherokee, traveled on the Trail of Tears. My grandmother told me her mother traveled from Georgia to settle near Arkadelphia in what is now the state of Arkansas. One of the books I checked out of the library the other day is Indian Trail Trees by Elaine Jordan. I'd never heard of trail trees and the book looked intriguing. I wondered if Native Americans intentionally shaped trees to mark trails? After reading the book and doing some research I learned hardwood trees were shaped to mark routes traveled over North America for centuries.

I remembered a home we'd seen for sale; we didn't buy the house but I recalled a huge trail tree in the front yard. I went back to take a photograph of the tree which is shown in the first photograph. This massive trail tree is growing in the front yard of the home and the direction points towards the town of Cleveland Georgia. At the hip of the tree another branch has formed subsequent to the original training of this tree's central leader. The girth of the second central leader is much smaller in diameter.

Here's a diagram excerpted from the book showing one of the methods used by the Native Americans to shape a hardwood tree to form a trail tree. Trail trees were used as directional markers showing routes to resources, camp sites, and river crossings for travelers. Some trees were hollowed out at the nose so messages could be left in the trees. Sometrees were intentionally fashioned taller to show the way for travelers on horseback.

Here's another photo of the trail tree showing a distant view. I wish I had taken another photograph with me in the photo to better show the scale of the tree. Perhaps another time I'll take a trip back to see the tree. Meanwhile I'm busy reading both fictional and non fictional historical novels about Native Americans. The appraisal of our new home is completed and now all that's left is the final paperwork, more about our move in date coming soon.

Stay tuned for news about a clay workshop in North Carolina I'll be taking in the middle of January. Also coming up I'll take you on a tour of a local potter's studio here in Cleveland, Georgia. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

13 comments:

  1. Linda, that is very interesting. I had never heard of trail trees before. Glad to hear things are moving along with your new home. I am sure you guys are anxious to get settled.

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  2. We have a 200 year old signal tree near us, a burr oak that marked the portage between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers (dare you to spell both of them twice, fast!).

    I knew of many around here, growing up, but I think their age is catching up with them. The one I mentioned is tended carefully, protected, and some of its limbs supported by guy wires.

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  3. I'm a nut for trees (sorry about pun) and never heard of these...so am going to also look around to see where they might be. THanks for letting me know. Happy to hear your home is moving along (groan, another pun for moving from the mobile one to stationery one!)

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  4. Interesting! It's a bit like a large bonsai! : )

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  5. I did know about trail trees - and love that you are finding them. Surely a sign that you are very nearly home. So very nearly.

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  6. that's really interesting, I'd never heard of trail trees before. Good to hear your new home is almost ready for you.

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  7. I love the information about the trail trees...very interesting. Have a Happy New Year...i am sure it will be a year of new changes and hopefully lots of pottery making in a new home.

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  8. I love the information about the trail trees...very interesting. Have a Happy New Year...i am sure it will be a year of new changes and hopefully lots of pottery making in a new home.

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  9. Hi Michele, thanks, I had never heard of trail trees either and I looked further and saw they are in many eastern seaboard states.

    Hi Joanne, thanks, I am sure I would trip myself up saying those two rivers, interesting to learn that these trees are in so many places, ancient road signs.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, I too love trees and am amazed that these living signs are still here for us to remember the Native Americans.

    Hi Midori, thanks, amazing that such large specimens can be manipulated and yet still live on.

    Hi Dee, thanks, it seems every year is one of change for me, lots of pottery I am hoping for sure. Happy New year to you.

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  10. Hi Elephant's Child, thanks, oh I like that these trees are a sign that I am almost home, what a wonderful sentiment.

    Hi Anna, thanks, we will have a lot of work to do moving in but hopefully in the end it will all be worth it.

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  11. I had no knowledge of Indian Trail trees . Fascinating. I'm so glad you shared this. Hope all goes well with your closing.

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  12. Really interesting Linda :)
    Hope your move goes well and you can get back into you pottery
    Sadhana

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  13. This is so interesting! I have seen trees like that and had no idea. Something new (old) to keep my eyes open for. Just getting caught up. Congratulations on finding a home! Which state did you end up buying in?

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