Trail marker trees

The stately oak tree above was featured in our local paper.  Known as the "Half-Way Tree," this bur oak marks the midpoint between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River along paths used by Native Americans in the pre-settlement era.

Anyone interested in trail marker trees - especially those modified by Native Americans - should visit the comprehensive website of the Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society

Reposted from 2015 to add information that popped up on Facebook:

The mistake I've been carrying in my head for years was that the bent portion of a marker tree pointed which direction a trail went.  In retrospect it's apparent that such a direction should be unnecessary because if you're on the trail you know which direction it goes (unless its very old and overgrown).  On an active trail the bent portion of the tree would more logically point to local resources (water, shelter), as is obviously the case in this example.  

Kudos to the family that documented this example before it was lost forever.

Addendum:  Additional kudos to reader CHaggard, who found the current website for the Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society.  Lots of information and excellent photos of some remarkable trees, and info re a relevant book.