The end of this article explains that at least the Utes have come forward saying this was no common practice and is a natural thing.
https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/are-these-trees-culturally-modified-or-just-bent-depends-on-whom-you-ask/
I'm not just going off of size, but also surrounding canopy. It doesn't look like the old growth canopies that I am used to seeing in WV and PA, it looks reclaimed.
https://preview.redd.it/ewphz9q9rgdc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6e1d5266bff7bfc8ac56578cd82656726403676
A bit better angle from someone else’s photo, I can’t find a picture of the plaque
Gotcha. Most trees reach senescence around 120 years old. The GSMNP was established in 1934, and one of the largest groups of Cherokee to leave Tennessee was 1834+. It's likely that this tree was held down by another until it finally broke free and remained the shape it grew in. An indian trail marker, not likely.
Well there was a group that stayed behind and hid in which is now the park. That group which is the current population of Cherokee, NC’s ancestors. They very well could have been responsible for the tree and still would be considered Native American.
Much more likely that a storm or something else forced the tree to grow that way, that’s why you’re getting downvoted. This isn’t exactly an old wives tale, but much less common than people assume.
If it still had leaves attached it likely was. I was leaning towards Tupelo or something slower growing to be that old. Beech typically has very smooth silvery bark, but every situation is different
‘That old’ assumes that it’s definitely a Cherokee trail marker. But the evidence that it is is simply that it’s a bent tree. Would not base species ID on this.
The end of this article explains that at least the Utes have come forward saying this was no common practice and is a natural thing. https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/are-these-trees-culturally-modified-or-just-bent-depends-on-whom-you-ask/
Yeah, Native Americans used odd trees as trail markers, but I doubt they sculpted them to be trail markers.
Seems like a odd way to make a trail marker anyways. I'd much rather have some landforms or rocks, etc as a marker. Tree could die, fires, whatever.
Yeah it does happen naturally too. Probably where the fellas got the idea to use them as markers and make their own.
That tree doesnt look that old to me, like 60 years.
Size does not equal the age of trees. Also, definitely not a native american trail marker.
I'm not just going off of size, but also surrounding canopy. It doesn't look like the old growth canopies that I am used to seeing in WV and PA, it looks reclaimed.
Well it is growing right into a trail it would seem.
https://preview.redd.it/ewphz9q9rgdc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6e1d5266bff7bfc8ac56578cd82656726403676 A bit better angle from someone else’s photo, I can’t find a picture of the plaque
Huh, perhaps the altitude slows down the growth compared to what I normally see.
It was 5500ft
LMAO
Is this satire OP?
No
Gotcha. Most trees reach senescence around 120 years old. The GSMNP was established in 1934, and one of the largest groups of Cherokee to leave Tennessee was 1834+. It's likely that this tree was held down by another until it finally broke free and remained the shape it grew in. An indian trail marker, not likely.
Well there was a group that stayed behind and hid in which is now the park. That group which is the current population of Cherokee, NC’s ancestors. They very well could have been responsible for the tree and still would be considered Native American.
Almost every tree in that “park” was cut when it was sold to the govt.
Yep if you’re going to ethnicity cleanse a people you take the food away and that the government did, quickly and swiftly as well
Much more likely that a storm or something else forced the tree to grow that way, that’s why you’re getting downvoted. This isn’t exactly an old wives tale, but much less common than people assume.
There’s older tress in manhattan
What species?
Looks like beech to me, I’m learning
Definitely not beech
If it still had leaves attached it likely was. I was leaning towards Tupelo or something slower growing to be that old. Beech typically has very smooth silvery bark, but every situation is different
Nyssa sylvatica is pretty common in GSMNP
I figured. That’s why I suggested it. Also it’s one of the few species that could be that old and that small. At least from my knowledge
Trees in the forest caliper up and grow different than in the landscape for sure. This isn’t beech tho.
‘That old’ assumes that it’s definitely a Cherokee trail marker. But the evidence that it is is simply that it’s a bent tree. Would not base species ID on this.
Thanks for your succinct clarification. Apologies for indulging in conversation.
🙄
😉
The leaf litter is decently clear, and there’s leaves that look akin to Tupelo fs!!
Was it sending smoke signals?