Summary

This is one of two enormous white oak Trail Marker Trees in White County, IN, estimated to be over 350 years old. These trees are on private property, cared for and protected by the homeowners and assisted by the community out of respect to the Native Americans. In an article published by The Indiana Historian, September 2001, a Miami Elder and Teacher spoke “that there are fewer than a handful of these “Trail Trees” left in Indiana today. These special gifts were made for our People as they journeyed to find their way back home to the loved ones in the circle. Intentionally bent, this magnificent tree still stands.” In a second article referring to this historical tree, "A Native American living in White County, Buffalo Heart was interviewed by a local newspaper regarding her knowledge of the Trail Marker Trees. Buffalo Heart refers specifically to this ancient tree as 'Grandfather' out of respect for the tree and its significance to her people. Buffalo Heart remembers numerous Trail Marker Trees located throughout White County from her Childhood". ^[1]. Much of the early research in this area in Indiana was done by historian Marilyn Abbott, according to Madden and Dold in the 175th Anniversary of White County. ^[2]

This photo taken by Dennis Downes in 2008 shows a local historian,  Judith Baker, head of White County Historical Society, and Greg Prochnow standing behind this magnificent Trail Marker Tree.

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References

1. ↑ Larsen, Kimberly. "Trail Trees Still Point the Way". Pharos Tribune: A1–A2.
2. ↑ Downes, Dennis (2011) Native American Trail Marker Trees; Marking Paths Through the Wilderness (First ed.), Chicago: Chicago's Books Press, pp. 188 ISBN: 978-0-9797892-8-1.