If you see a bent tree in the forest, start looking around immediately

Nowadays it’s easy to navigate around because of the number of apps and gadgets that facilitate our everyday life.

In the past, people needed to find ways of marking trails, especially when they were forced to go through thick forests.

Now if you wonder how people were able to determine the right direction without maps or GPS, here’s the answer.

Native Americans did this by bending trees. So how did they do it? By inserting a piece of the tree into a hole and allowing the tree to grow around it.

There are of course trees that have irregular shape as a result of Mother Nature. So how did the indigenous people know which trees are man made and which are bent by nature?

The ones Native Americans bent have a distinguished looks; a noticeable nose, or notch that sticks out at the end of the bend as shown in the photo below.

Image source: www.ejlanham.com

Other details that can help you determine which trees were modified by men are the scars from where the straps were placed when the trees were young.

Most of these trees are over 150 and even 200 years old.

As stated in the national American Forests website:

“Across the U.S., you can find trees that are oddly shaped. Their trunks have odd kinks in them, or bend at strange angles. While some of them may indeed be simple quirks of nature, most of these trees are actually landmarks that helped guide indigenous people on their way. Native Americans would bend young trees to create permanent trail markers, designating safe paths through rough country and pointing travelers toward water, food or other important landmarks. Over the years, the trees have grown, keeping their original shape, but with their purpose all but forgotten as modern life sprang up around them. Today, we may not need these “trail trees” to navigate, but their place in history makes them invaluable. Imagine the stories these trees could tell.”

In order for these trees to be preserved, the Mountain Stewards website was created. The site mapped out more than 1,000 bent trees all over the country and documented exactly where they were!

For more on this interesting history fact and the bent tress across America go to the video below.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Monica Pop
Monica Pop
Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

What drying laundry indoors does to your lungs

When it's raining outside and the weather is cold, you may feel tempted to dry your clothes indoors. This is a actually something a...

Prince William knew Meghan had ‘no intention’ of staying royal, expert claims

The initial meeting between Prince William and Meghan Markle was said to be promising, with the two “clicking” right away. William was very fond of...

Airport remains shut down following fireball plane crash

London Southend Airport remains closed until further notice following a devastating plane crash that took place on Sunday, its chief executive Jude Winstanley said during...

Eat cloves every day, but avoid this common mistake!

Cloves are a versatile spice with a peculiar flavor used in the kitchen, especially in the Indian cuisine, and as a medicine. Among the...

They made fun of my grandpa’s inheritance — until they realized what it really was

When my grandfather passed away, all my cousins seemed to care about was the will he left behind. All seven of them were eager...

Two children among dead as floodwaters ravage New Mexico Town

The record-breaking flash flood that swept through a village in New Mexico on Tuesday claimed the lives of three people — two children and...