While driving to New Orleans we passed through MARKED TREE, Arkansas. The name was so intriguing to me and I had to do some research.
Marked Tree is in the southern end of the New Madrid Fault. The city got its name from an oak tree located on the bank of the Francis River.
Osage and Cherokee Indians roamed the woods and enjoyed fishing in the two rivers. MARKED TREE is also noted for having two rivers a quarter of a mile apart but both flow in opposite directions.
The Indians slashed the oak tree to mark a crossing point on land to avoid paddling 12 miles upstream to reach the other bank. The tree stood until 1890 when undermining caused the tree to fall into the river. While digging in 1970 for a new bridge a large well preserved oak was unearthed. The workers brought the trunk back to the town and it is displayed with a historical marker.
Unlike many cities MARKED TREE is the only city with this name in the world.
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Ann
7 comments:
What interesting and informative post. Been to a lot of places in Arkansas, but not here.
Maybe no one left to name a city ofter their hometown. - Margy
love it when the river runs north.
ROG, ABC Wednesday
\so lovely and serene - water often has this effect don't you think?
Denise ABC Team
Most interesting story of the town of Marked Tree. It's a pity the Red Indians were driven to near extinction, such an interesting race and not as wicked and uncultured as Hollywood would have you believe.
Best wishes
Di.xx
Abcw team.
How fascinating that the tree was so well preserved and kudos to the town for recognizing and celebrating its Marvellous history!
I like such names which originate from events in the past.
Thanks for your comment on money. It is true that we should share it with others who need it, if we have enough of it.
Have a great weekend!
Wil, ABCW Team.v
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