The Halfway Tree - S. Central WI
N 42° 35.036 W 089° 22.645
16T E 304913 N 4717352
Halfway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River
Waymark Code: WM3KEA
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Date Posted: 04/15/2008
Views: 86
From the historic sign courtesy of the Brodhead Historical Society:
“This Burr Oak marks the halfway point between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Paced off by Indian Runners and confirmed by U.S. Survey in 1832.
Located in Spring Grove Township, Green County, WI.”
The Indians who made this trip each spring were believed to be Oneidas, including the 100-year-old woman who traveled through with a group one year. Although the bark is tomahawk scared and a drought caused it's leaves to dry up one year, this tree is still healthy. These Indians requested long ago that the tree not be cut down. Their request has been honored through time by a series of land owners.
A modern day measurement puts it off by about six miles, but there is disagreement about the method of measuring.
For more information, you can go to:
http://www2.dnr.state.wi.us/forestry/Publications/pdf/AnchorTreeBook/Chapters/051%20IndianHalfWayTree.pdf
The Halfway Tree is located 300 yards off old highway 81, now called Halfway Tree Rd., and is located on private property. Bring binoculars if you must, but do not cross the fence. The above coordinates are for the sign, not for the tree.