Treasure tree

[pdsniper]

Sorry, but I had a hard time posting. I hope this isnt a double post.
This tree is located near a cave in the Ozarks. Between this tree and cave is a second cave that overlooks the valley below. Inside the middle cave I found a very old shotgun shell marked "US Defiance" This middle cave not only overlooks the valley but must be passed to get to the cave I first mentioned. Could this tree be a treasure marker. It sure doesn't look natural. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have found an occasional silver coin in the area. These coins appear to have washed down from somewhere on the bluff as I found them nearly on the surface and always in a wash area. Pictures are of the tree and the middle cave.

[Cynangyl]

What a cool place! Would be great fun to explore for sure. That tree is something else! Hopefully you will be able to learn more here about it.

[Gypsy Heart]

Have you found anything by hunting near that tree..bits of iron...etc?

[Timberwolf]

Are there any carvings on the tree?

TW

[Treasuredawg]

Sniper, if you want some help with this PM me. I know about these trees. I live in the Ozarks.

treasuredawg

[Smee]

Looks like a trail tree marker. If it's native american, it marked the cave for travellers so they could use it as shelter. These trees were the original "road signs" used to inform those following a trail of places to find water, game, shelter . . . and sometimes where NOT to go. "Danger! Scalp removal ahead!"

Don't know if this is one, but it sure looks like a cave marker tree to me. However, could also be a "prayer tree".

Is there a spring also, very close to one of the caves? A nose like that one usually marked a spring.