Thong, Trail or Treasure Trees in the Ozarks

So, are you wondering what a thong tree is? There are a number of theories, but the prevailing one seems to be that Native Americans (mainly the Osage) “formed” these trees to mark important places. They would bend over a young tree (usually an oak) and tie it with a piece of leather (called a strap) and let it grow that way. The tree would basically look like an “L” lying on its side.

We became interested in these unique trees when we discovered one on our property in the Missouri Ozarks. Ours points to the gap below the ridge that would have provided shelter or perhaps an easier path through the hills.

Native Americans would use them to mark sources of water, food, shelter, or safe places. Some believe that the early settlers and some of the outlaws of the Old West would also use these trees. Legends claim that Jesse James and Billy the Kid used them to mark where they had hidden their “loot”.

Several people are currently locating and tracking these trees to see if there is a correlation between their locations and the Trail of Tears. The theory is that the Cherokee and other tribes marked their journey with these trees. There is a wonderful website maintained by Mountain Stewards that recounts these great historic trees. Most of the trees are found in Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. But there are some trees in most states.

There are also variations on the name: Indian trees, marker trees, message trees, water trees, or buffalo trees (there is a theory that early Native Americans would dry or “tan” buffalo hides over the curve of these trees. )