A History of Hollow Trees (and people who LIVED in them)

Stories of people living in hollow trees aren’t just fiction, like My Side of the Mountain. Fugitive soldiers, escaped slaves, frontiersman, and many more used giant hollow trees for shelter.
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Featured Artwork/Artists:
“We Dined in a Hollow Cottonwood Tree” by Robert Griffing www.paramountpress.com/fw-15
“Nature’s Refuge” by David Wright davidwrightart.com
“Heritage Tree” by Bernie Andrews
“Ida Martin” by Judith Serling-Sturm judithserling-sturm.com
“Thomas Stanley” by Dennis Auth
“Marlin and Sewell” by Galina Sorokina
“Daniel West” by Galina Sorokina
Voice Over by:
JP Wright
Schuyler Simmons
Simon Jackson
Breylen
Jeffrey M Smith
Steve Gilly
Special thanks to:
Marc DeWerth/Big Trees Ohio: / bigtreesohio
The Museum of Appalachia
Steve Gilly from the ‪@StoriesofAppalachia‬ channel for providing voice over on this project. Check out their channel, it’s one of my favorites!
Pick up a copy of Anne Shelby’s book: amzn.to/34EbLXU (affiliate link)
‪@derraleves‬ for challenging me to remake an old video, bigger and better, as part of 30 Day Creator Challenge: www.30daycreatorchallenge.com...
‪@johnnyharris‬ and ‪@nathanieldrew‬ for their excellent Visual Storytelling course on www.brighttrip.com/

[@Kimmaline]

The moment this came across my feed I knew you were a fellow My Side Of The Mountain fan. When I was a little girl, I had a playhouse in a hollow tree which was just across a small creek from our very rural summer cabin in Mendocino County. This is very personal, but when I was in my early teen years and in a very abusive situation, I would sneak out my window at night to escape my step-father, and run to the back of our 50acres and sit there at night and plan for how I was going to run to the mountains and live like My Side of the Mountain. I would sit back there with a small light and read survival books. Blessedly, another family member got custody of me, and I never walked out into the wilderness.

[@AmericanMythology]

Thank you for sharing! I’m glad that life took a turn for the better for you.

[@mrcrimpster]

Do you still live in northern California?.I used to run the Sea Ranch Building supply,I live in Santa Rosa now..I would like to show you something cool ,some people's secrets are only secret because the right person hadn't come along yet..I am semperviren

[@jellydarling1008]

What a beautiful and tragic story! The hope that story’s can give us in darkness are blessings all our life.

[@markeverson5849]

Well at least you had a back 50 acres to run to with a big hollow tree the place of Refuge I'll take the Wilderness any day over any type of a Suburban or City situation there just doesn't seem to be a place far enough away for me nowadays! you got the Park Service the game wardens the cops the government breathing down your back everywhere you want to go! to cause you havoc and turn you into a criminal! we're just wanting to be left alone

[@nedanother9382]

Oh my dear...out in the wilderness is where you will find peace. Backpacking is one solution. I was going to make this comment based on your first paragraph - it seems even more appropriate after reading your entire comment. We share similarities in our past. I don't know that book but as I watched this video people living in trees...I instantly went to my...go to thought...a dream or desire. I'm now semi retired and a bit of an artist/ maker...I build all kinds of things from furniture to escape rooms. I am most attracted to childrens rooms...(gross) and I haven't been able to get there yet, but my dream job would be creating special places in the bedrooms of children...a giant hollowed out tree trunk in the corner...any special place for a child to crawl into and make their own. Where grown ups can't fit through the door. A safe and happy place. So they don't crawl out a window in the middle of the night. Funny thing is I can't give it away. There are endless cheap or no cost options to transform a space into something special and now its just tough to find a project in spite of so many children needing a little love. One day....I hope you have found peace since the dark days. Thank you for sharing - Greg

[@thomasbrown8468]

Wish I could show you the pic of my whole family in a huge hollow tree that’s still alive. I thought it was dead and wanted to conserve it some how. But went back early spring and this tree looks like a great chimney big chimney It was sprouting green leaves I felt blessed to sit inside of it and had great meditation.

[@AmericanMythology]

I’d love to see that. If you would, send me a copy of the photo by messaging the American Mythology Facebook page: facebook.com/americanmythologyshow

[@brieannateylar5810]

@@AmericanMythology let's say someone took shelter inside a hollow tree during a thunderstorm , what would be the possible effect of a lightning strike to the tree on the occupant ?

[@thomasbrown8468]

Will do

[@debshaw680]

@@brieannateylar5810 well the tree is grounded so it depends on a lot of factors. Just off the top of my head: What kind of strike is it? How dry is it inside? Are you touching the walls when it happens? Is the tree alive or dead because they can burst into flames or even explode if they’re a soft, sappy wood like pine or cypress even if they’re alive. I’ve seen an ancient cypress tree that had a massive base torn in half. The oldest and tallest cypress in Florida suffered that fate. A huge, eons old oak called the Wye Oak on Wye Island in Maryland was completely taken out by a lightening strike and they had lightening rods around it to keep it from getting hit.

[@jbuck1314]

My aunt is really into genealogy and has tracked our ancestry back really far. The Pringle Brothers and their hollowed out tree they lived in after escaping from Fort Pitt in 1764 are actually my direct relatives!

[@mightyconker3903]

I'm also related to a tree

[@machinist5828]

When I was a kid I lived in a small town in western Ohio. There was a woods just to the north of us that was my playground. This patch of woods was huge and was bordered by some of the meanest looking thorn trees. Some of the thorns were four inches long and would and did flatten a tractor tire. One spring I managed to find a path through the thicket and finally get access to the woods. My dad had talked of hunting in these woods when he was a kid so I was infatuated with them. He knew the owners of the land and as long as I behaved I could wander all I wanted. Back in these trees was a huge grand daddy tree. There was a momma cat and kittens that scurried for cover in a hole between the roots. I cleared leaves and dug a bit. I never found the kittens but as I got further in the tree grew more hollow. It finally opened up to be about six feet across and about twenty feet tall inside. After a bit of clearing out you could climb up to a hole where a limb had broken off and climb out with substantial effort. You ended up in the spread of a massive tree. That tree was my playground for many years and other than my dad told no one else about it. We left that area when I was fourteen. Several years after that I was visiting my best friend there and told him of the tree. We hopped in my truck and went to find this tree again. It was a beautiful fall day and we searched but could not find it. We even found the path through the thicket that I had cleared years before. We followed my path to the point that it disappeared in the fallen leaves. We never found that tree and I don't think it wanted to be found. I just wonder if some other troubled introverted kid like me ever found the solace and companionship of that ancient tree. I hope so. Cheers Terry from South Carolina (now)

[@TgWags69]

Those thorn trees would be honey locust. The non-hybrid ones. Bunches of thorns sticking out more then 12 inches!. I have some I took off a tree in Toledo for my collection.

[@melanieevaldi6468]

Wonderful childhood story.

[@machinist5828]

@@melanieevaldi6468 thank you!

[@Connor-tv5gu]

I can picture it :) that is a great story

[@thomasray9830]

Cool story, I kinda had the sameish experience, but with huge boulders by a creek on my farm, played there for hours daily, thanks for bringing those memories back

[@KowboyUSA]

Ran away from home when I was 14. Tried to find a hollow tree for a house, but had to settle for a culvert under a road. Nice little cottage once all the spiders, snakes and insects were smoked-out. Yup, nice place. Probably still be there, too, if it wasn't for that big thunderstorm sticking a raging river right in the middle of my living room.

[@AmericanMythology]

Haha! Thanks for sharing.

[@gardensofthegods]

Kowboy USA ... did you ever go back home after that or did you just continue your journey on your own ?

[@nobodyknows222]

@Kowboy USA I'd love to see a picture of that!

[@royfrye2871]

Been there done that too!

[@jasonlogan5765]

That's good lmao 😂

[@Bubba4168]

You've just inspired more people than you know to live that dream. Myself being one of them.

[@RaccoonNation]

My mostly indoor raccoon is now considering a tree house 😆🦝🦝🦝🦝

[@robinhood480]

Bake me some chocolate chip cookies 🍪 when you get settled in. Thanks 😊

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

Same.. Not even kidding.

[@kwahu1519]

I lived it. One year

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

@@kwahu1519 srsly?

[@throngcleaver]

I too, read My Side of the Mountain as a kid, and completely fell in love with living in a hollow tree. That never came to fruition, but I did eventually build a treehouse about 18 years ago, and it's still here in my backyard, in a gigantic maple tree. Thanks for a fantastic video!

[@AmericanMythology]

I really appreciate all the support for this video. It had come to my attention that the old film effect I’m using in some scenes has wildly different results on different screens-ranging from a subtle flicker to crazy strobe-like flashing. Apologies if you’re in the latter group. I won’t be using this effect moving forward. Thank you to everyone who had given me feedback on this. I’m still very new to editing and I appreciate your patience.

[@mariansmith7694]

My father cried when the enormous chestnuts died by blight. It is absolutely sad when we consider the greed of humans. All of our great forests were cut. Heartbreaking!

[@doomoo5365]

Some little patches of surviving virgin Forest have even been cut down when if they charge admission and put in a boardwalk in they could have made many times what the wood was worth

[@DetroitFettyghost]

Trees are just as alive as us.....only they are peaceful and have a far better memory. Truly beautiful things on earth should be loved not destroyed houses can be built of earth and soil just as easily and non destructive to the planet....and THEYD RECYCLE THEMSELVES IN TIME.

[@cowboykelly6590]

Yeah, we DEFOREST our own country, but get mad when other countries do it. Then the Gov't says we know what to do . We'll replant... BUT now they are seeing their Great plan isn't working . They planted in rows . So they grow about 20 years and become WIDOW MAKERS CUZ the tree roots are shallow And some you can even push over , that's how shallow the root system is ! the next Generation of AX MEN ... Will drop like flys cuz of those 20 year "widow makers" .

[@karanfield4229]

Yr Dad sounds like a wonderful guy. 💕

[@aimee-lynndonovan6077]

Come to Maine! More trees then people!

[@hondaxl250k0]

I live in nw Ohio. In the woods across from my grandfathers farm was a sycamore stump. It was hollow. We called it elephants foot ..it was So big I could lay down stretch out in every direction and not even be close to touching the sides. My dad remembers it standing . He said it towered above all the other trees. I went back when squirrel hunting a few years ago and can’t find where it was. Biggest tree stump I’ve ever seen . And it was my fort as a child.

[@cowboykelly6590]

That memory sounds great . Thank you for it . 🤠🖖

[@thomashocker2792]

Very cool. I love the huge trees in Ohio. There are two places where virgin forest remain.

[@blorac9869]

What a shame you did not run into it. Thanks for sharing.

[@hondaxl250k0]

@@blorac9869 I don’t think it’s there any more.. I think a flood or few took it away. But I figured I’d find something but nope.. I’ll be looking again this spring during early mushroom season

[@jasonlogan5765]

I used to live in New Richmond right on Ohio River I moved a couple years ago

[@debshaw680]

I loved My Side of the Mountain and switched between checking it and Island of the Blue Dolphin out of the library so much my teachers contacted my parents to tell them I needed to expand my reading. I guess that would have been in the late 60s. At home I was reading things like Lord of the Rings, everything I could find about King Arthur, and every entry in the Encyclopedia Britannica. I was a major nerd and voracious reader but those two stories really stuck with me so much I made sure we had and read them when my kids were young. We didn’t get a lot of stories about kids who were strong and independent and capable. Especially not one about a girl. But from those two stories to some legends about Merlin, I always wanted to live in a hollow tree. If it was warm enough and had electricity and plumbing, I’d still want to do that. 😆

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Isn't the Island Of The Blue Dolphin about a girl? Another good book about an adventurous girl is Ronia The Robber's Daughter.

[@revmcl1]

I am Canadian, from new Westminster British Columbia. Our local history museum has many photos of people, especially loggers living inside the trees. Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC, had a stump that we occasionally drove our cars through when I was young. I am now 75 and the tree stump is gone. Tree living was not unusual in our area where the Douglas firs grew to be enormous. I have seen many photos from the 1800s showing it. I enjoy your channel.

[@CocoAvalon]

Randomly stumbled upon this video and I"m so glad I did! I never even thought about people living in trees before. Such beautiful shots at the very end of the light shining out of the tree you found to sleep in. Haven't gone camping in years, but now I really want to go again! Thank you for this video

[@annekammer4442]

This is amazing i learned a lot well researched well presented thank you

[@lauraleecreations3217]

Same with me❤👍

[@markeverson5849]

I know where there's a Grove of huge sycamores growing next to a bluff in Southern Missouri Ozarks way down in the Hidden Valley off in a dry creek bed that runs Underground! in a big swirl pool area where the water during 100-year flood can't go anywhere except it pools up. three ar four acres spot next to the bluff where those big sycamores grow and nobody even knows they're there except me and probably a few stragglers. it's an enchanted place! and as you walk your feet sink so deep into the loam that you can thrust your hand in to the black soil up to your elbow and pull it out with your hand,seems to be an Indian mound thar also!

[@kansas3332]

What are trees ? 😂 😂

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

This was truly interesting! It wasn’t hollow, but we had an oak tree in our front yard where I grew up in Kentucky, that it took five of us standing flat against it to reach around. Lightening struck it and eventually killed it, but it took more than twenty years to become so dangerous that it had to be cut. I love trees🐝🤗❤️

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

We have a massive Sycamore down by the creek on our farm in Canada that is hollow for the first 20+ feet and scorched black on the inside from a lighting strike/fire years ago. The rest of the tree is healthy and growing at an exponential rate. I also love trees, cheers,

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@buckodonnghaile4309 That sounds like a wonderful old tree🐝🤗❤️

[@ANPC-pi9vu]

Damn unfortunate you couldn't save it. I hope the wood got salvaged. Would seem a waste to turn it into fire wood and mulch.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@DemoKKKRats Cheat & Hate Blacks lol! Yep!🐝❤️🤗

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@ANPC-pi9vu yes, I was so sad when my parents had to have it cut. There was a little of it that we saved, but they turned the tree into lumber I think. There are still 4 very big oaks in the yard there, but that one was by far the biggest😔❤️🐝

[@beaversstumpgrinding3352]

In the time of sailing vessels there were members of the crew trained as tree ringers. As storms happen and age wears upon wooden ships it becomes necessary to repair or replace all sorts of parts while at sea, from the quarterdecks to the figurehead. A rudder could be scavenged from other parts but the great masts held the power of wind and motion. When a mast split or twisted it could sometimes be secured with great cleats like bands on wine barrels, in an attempt to hold them till they could reach shore, where the tree ringer could go inland to find at tree to replace the old mast, while a portion of the crew stayed to remove the old mast and rigging to make room for the new timber. Just the right tree would be sought after... It would have to be tall and straight, but not just any good looking tree, the right would also have to be hollow, because a hollow mast can bend with the force of a gale where a solid trunk would break. So the tree ringer would hit the trees with a bat and listen for just the right sound of a hollow tree. The right hollow tree was said to "ring true".

[@ispartacus1337]

This was a badass read. How I've never realized masts are hollow is beyond me but that makes perfect sense that they would have to be. We also share the same first name. Great post!

[@tandiparent1906]

Interesting n thank U for sharing it

[@richtomlinson7090]

I've read that they would make a mast hollow, by creating a stave built up mast with iron hoops, and there were sections that were joined in length, and the top section would be called the Royal mast. A hollow mast would also weigh less, and have the strength characteristics of a split bamboo fishing pole.

[@rebeccamartin2399]

Thank you I Love that kinda stuff.

[@BradGryphonn]

I'm Australian, and as a child, My Side of The Mountain was my favourite book also. The book was a big influence and helped shape my life as a wanderer. I haven't found my tree yet, but one day...

[@TheJessfletcher17]

I want to live in a kangaroo

[@wendycrawford1792]

This is so timely! I just returned from a holiday in British Columbia, Canada, the west coast of which is one of the worlds few remaining rain forests. I visited with my family who had recently lived in Ladysmith BC. not far from the beautiful city of Victoria. One afternoon, we went to a site called the magestic forest where the red cedar trees are up to and possibly over 800 years old!!! There was a beautiful boardwalk that went through this stunning moss covered and fern laced forest of giant trees. Most if you looked up still had canopies. It was one of the biggest thrills of my life. I’ll never forget it. Back in the early years of settlement, lumber, gold and the salmon fisheries made parts of British Columbia very prosperous. As is typical, the British claimed this land and made every effort to make it like Britain. Though there are many signs of British styles and businesses and gardens, it is definitely Canadian a proud young country with an incredibly rich indigenous history. I want to return again soon!

[@debraparker161]

I think you mean Cathedral Grove, not majestic forest. It's near Tofino and Port Alberni. The 800 hundred year old Western Red Cedar trees are huge. It's a very popular spot, world-renowned and gorgeous.

[@geraldgerow3689]

I Hiked a nature preserve today that has a 1000 year old oak tree......it's an incredible sight

[@bashkillszombies]

Oaks are incredible. It's a shame the new world doesn't have many nice plants. :(

[@jhtsurvival]

Where was that

[@mariantreber8055]

@@bashkillszombies What are you talking about? You've never been to the new world?

[@illillyillyo]

How do you know it was a thousand years old? :o

[@Blissblizzard]

@@bashkillszombies Like Redwood?😂😂😂

[@charlesfernatt]

The redwood forest in Northern California has massive trees that I was able to fit an entire 4 man tent inside with room for our packs beside the tent all inside of the hollow redwood it was awesome!

[@StarDarkAshes]

That’s what I just said. No mention of redwoods or sequoias. My friends and I about seven of us used to camp inside the bottom of one redwood tree in Arcata California. We still asleep in there comfortably and I was shocked that there was no story or mention at all of the redwoods or sequoias

[@charlesfernatt]

@@StarDarkAshes would it happen to be the one Redwood with the witches Circle on it? That's actually the one that we slept in Arcadia it's like at the top of the hill and then you trudge into the forest a little bit for about 10 minutes and also have you ever heard a random pan flute there???

[@charlesfernatt]

The reason I asked about the Pan Flute is because we (me and my Fiance) heard it being played at 2 forests same song only in Northern California kinda sketchy lol

[@loganmorris9660]

@@StarDarkAshes he is only talking about eastern US not any where out west

[@mgwgeneral6467]

I spoke to a poor girl years ago who actually lived in a tree. Her parents had nothing . And when the weather was ugly they would put her inside in the gaping hole of the old redwood. She shared her story with me. And that showed me some things about life's trials and the creativity of people when they get desperate enough. Very well done documentary! 👍 you obviously worked on gathering this information for quite some time. Thank you for sharing!

[@ColorwaveCraftsCo]

I also read that book as a child and I thought the little boy in it was a total genius! Lol but alas I grew up in Kansas so no hollow tree adventures were to be had. 😊

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

We need a part 2!!!

[@AmericanMythology]

I’m working on it and I can’t wait to share!

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

@@AmericanMythology Sweeeeet!!! Can't wait!!!

[@VHSMikey]

@@AmericanMythology I def want to see your time in the tree, excellent channel.

[@ladyofthemasque]

Out here on the West Coast, it's not just the giant redwoods that were "impossibly huge" and literally big enough to turn into a little hut of a home. We have various cedars, first, and so forth from Northern California all the way up into coastal British Colombia. (Above a certain latitude northward, it's too cold for the trees to grow all that huge.) My grandpa was a scaler for a while, the member of the logging team who measured the felled trees and calculated how many board-feet could be harvested from them at the sawmills, and he showed me pictures of tree stumps that had been turned into one-room huts for families to cram themselves into...and most of our trees here in Washington are big, but still aren't quite the size of redwoods. And there are plenty of trees still in existance that are as big around as a standard 3-star hotel room, as in bathroom, galley kitchenette, bed, and modest sitting area with couch & t.v., etc. So it's very doable on a variety of scales.

[@richtomlinson7090]

I've seen pictures of these tiny homes from Giant trees, but unfortunately they were surrounded by cut stumps and clearings. Truly remarkable trees have grown in the west. What I have read is that Douglas Firs were cut without as much attention and without as much recognition of their massive size. One example was from a crew that measured their tree at 418 feet tall and the picture was so old, that everyone seemed to wear hats. The tallest Redwood today, probably isn't more than 370 feet tall, but the record for tallest keeps changing as storms take the tops off, and another one grows taller, and pretty quickly too.

[@kittye8340]

In WA, in the Olympic National forest there is a giant tree. It's massive.

[@makeapositivedifference]

I remember reading that book as a kid, but then, I also read everything I could. 🤔 Although I didn't grow up near any hollow trees ( that I know of), we had a huge oak tree in our back yard growing up, that was on our next door neighbors property, ours, and the neighbors behind us. The neighbor behind us also had the largest back yard in the neighborhood, with several tall oak trees that were quite memorable to see for a northeast Ohio suburban neighborhood. I remember being in awe of the height and circumference of the tree, and making up stories in my mind of all the critters that called the tree their home. I do know, based on a Google map search, unfortunately the old oak tree is gone now, as it towered over the garage in our back yard, and cast shade with it's branches over a good span of the three yards the trunk inhabited. Thanks for this bit of history and reminder of a good book for children to read.

[@delightdelirium1]

My Side of the Mountain was my favorite, too! I'm descended from the Pringles of Upshur Co, WV. I've visited the offspring of their tree- not as big as the original but still impressive.

[@alastairgreen1709]

I also enjoy reading my side of the mountain as a kid.

[@michaelslaughter6557]

I love that book, never made me want to visit a trees children.

[@rharris22222]

I remember it too. I'm wondering right now why I DON'T live in a hollow tree!

[@alexb5766]

There are 3 books in the series my side, the far side, and frightfuls mountain.

[@msmaj4895]

I remember a lil red head girl I grew up with in Illinois named Michelle McIntyre.

[@homefrontforge]

An oak, older than our nation, fell down the road from us. The owner of the land passed that same year and his 95 year old mother had to leave the homestead due to cancer. I felt like the falling of the tree presaged the passing of the family.

[@karanfield4229]

That's so beautiful.

[@lizh1988]

Mount Adams in Cincinnati was originally Mount Ida, named after Ida Martin, a washerwoman who lived in a hollow sycamore tree.

[@aprilleerose]

True. I grew up in Cincinnati 💜

[@stellar3491]

Excellent research, reporting and filmmaking. I didn't realize how many people found refuge in hollow trees. Sam Pringle is my grandfather. But I don't know much about him, except from this story.

[@TheYarcob]

I am from Putnam County, TN, which is near McMinnville, TN. My pa used to tell me amazing stories about chestnut trees around here. You, and a few others, could sit under a chestnut and get at least 30 squirrels for dinner out of a single tree. I would love to have seen it all back then.

[@rebeccamartin2399]

You might think of putting those stories down. Your family would get a kick out of it. I love stories like that.😊

[@colinp2238]

Unfortunately in the UK the ancient woodlands are all gone, victims of first, of ancient agriculture then later by industrialism. The theory behind the Merlin story that you alluded to was that in Meieval times, tree trunks were used as coffins, after Marlin died his body was placed in a hollowed out tree trunk and entombed. A similar theory is the story of Arthur "drawing" the sword from the stone is symbolic of a metal smith, smelting iron from ore (stone) or using a clay or sand mould to form a sword. There is so much lost to our modern minds from the old stories.

[@philipambler3825]

I lived in a hollow tree for weeks during constant rain. Just me, and my dog Go, with a constant warming fire. The hollow bole acted like a chimney. Wood and mushrooms got dried and smoked.

[@uncannyvalley2350]

I think there's a connection between Excalibur and the sword of Cuchulainn too, seeing as it too was a sacred weapon of power, and plunged into the ground when he died. Arthur is also the King of 12 Knights, like Jesus and his 12 disciples, a reference to the Zodiac, even the name Karmelot appears to derive from the Karmel Mountains next to Tyre, named for their suitability to grow grapes (hanging gardens). Tyre means Rock, and was a Castle Fort set on an island and included the Temple of Melqart, which was flanked by pillars of Gold and Emerald, just as described where Enoch hid his 36,525 scrolls, being the number of days in a year times 100, the Egyptian number of perfection. Another name of Enoch is Hermes Trismegistus, who hid his Emerald Tablets (10 commandments ), which were written by Echnaton in the Arc of the Covenant. Tyre and the Temple of Melqart sat just offshore from Urshu Shalom, City of Peace, or City of the New Moon, the root word of Jerusalem. Osiris was also buried in a pillar at Byblos, related to the Giant King Og, who appears related to Kong Oeagrus from Thrace, similar to the Celtic Oeangus, otherwise known as Og, son of Dagda, the King of New Grange. The book of Enoch also gives details of a Crytsal Palace illuminated by the moon every 19 years, just as happens at New Grange, 19 years being the period of the Solar Lunar Metonic cycle, and the time it took to train a Druid. It's also found in the Antikythera mechanism, and inscribed on the Golden Hats of the Magi, found in France and Germany, dating to around 3400 years ago, and the reign of Echnaton, whose first name was Amenhotep, or Happy is the Moon, which he changed to Arkhenaten, Light of the Sun.

[@edwardmcalavey2816]

I'm a Notts Lad... We have a tree Robin Hood lived in! Supposedly!

[@dinarusso3320]

All of the ancient trees are gone? That's just sad .

[@eattheleftist7154]

Number one cause of deforestation in my state is building homes. With millions moving out of cities, my area has gone 30,000+ in the past few years. It's frustrating and annoying that city dwellers keep moving here in droves...

[@MickeyMouse-ul8zl]

All of us adventurous spirits have that book in our library. The second and third in the trilogy aren't as good as the first, but they do flesh out the storyline. That book made me a better reader, a better researcher, and a better outdoorsman. The closest I came to living in a tree was during a hunt in the north Georgia mountains. I was dropped off at this tree before daylight. Into the morning it began to drizzle so I began to look for possible shelter. Keeping my back to the tree I scanned the forest as I circled the tree. On the opposite side from where I'd been sitting in the rain there just happened to be an opening in my tree. No monster like those you spoke of, there was just enough room for my pack, my weapon and myself, but I thought to myself, wow I finally made it home. Nearly 40 years after reading the book. I'm glad I clicked on your post. The hollow tree captured me. I'm your newest subscriber. Let's see what else you have.

[@larrylitzinger7441]

I also read My Side of the Mountain as a boy , what a pleasure you have brought a seventy year old man , memories of boyhood !!

[@helentucker6407]

I know a hollow tree near me and I often stand in it to enjoy the hush and feeling of safety! It would be excellent shelter from a cold night....thanks for video!

[@dannialeflowers6440]

I love this video. As a kid there was a massive hollowed out oak tree that was located near a collapsed house on an abandoned homstead. I used to play in it. You could tell it had been used by people. Now I am wondering if it served as a temporary home. I always assumed it had been a root cellar.

[@aaronvallejo8220]

As a boy growing up logging and fishing for trout with my grandfather here in BC Canada, I absolutely loved that book "My Side of the Mountain". He made jam sealed in clay pots and pancakes of acorn flour. Epic. Great research video! Thank you.

[@markh441]

Omg,that was also my favourite book!! It still is and I’m 62 years old. Awesome!!!!

[@actionfaction2558]

The kid with the pet raccoon named Gus, I still remember, and a falcon on his arm, that lived in a hollow tree had an influence on me too. Props for this video.

[@BeeBlot]

This is so cool! I loved everything about this (except the devastation of our old growth forests).

[@paulahaller]

Growing up in the country next door to a wooded pasture, created a lifetime affinity towards trees. My childhood was literally spent in the branches of my favorite climbing trees. I longed to camp out in a hollowed out tree, but none of the hollows were ever even remotely large enough, unless one was a raccoon or a badger. So that dream was never fulfilled. I loved this video and greatly enjoyed especially the last few moments.

[@TheYarcob]

This is truly one of the best videos I have ever seen on KZbin. Well done.

[@FindTheFun]

My grandmother was personal friends with Jeane Craighead George and I have her copy of My Side of the Mountain addressed specifically to her. It's one of my family treasures.

[@zenolachance1181]

As soon as the title said the history of hollow trees and people that live in them I said out loud "My Side of the Mountain". Also my favorite book as a child. I read it for the first time in 1965

[@GlenHefner]

Huge thanks for highlighting the story of Marlin and Sewell! As a native of Marlinton, WV I constantly look for any history docs being done on my home and find that the few tidbits scattered around internet are quite refreshing and great at breaking the nasty rumors and misconceptions that most people have about West Virginia

[@kiamichiozarks7056]

This was MY favorite book as a kid. I often dreamed of having that kind of life although I’ve never met anyone in my life who has ever heard of this book until now. I’m so happy to have found this video!

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

This was a very interesting and educational video, thank you so much. I live in Southwest Michigan, and in Niles Michigan there is a neighborhood off of the Old Chicago trail from Detroit to Chicago that went through Niles which still has a tree that is extremely big around at the base. the big cavity in the tree has been filled with 8-in cinder blocks as a wall, being in the backyard of a house. The city forestry has control of this tree, though it's on someone's property.

[@thekarmafarmer608]

That book was highly influential in my life. It wasn`t the thought of actually living in a tree but the freedom of living away from others and having nature all around. I`m planning my retirement to be that very thing still. Nice post

[@gordogo]

I too read My side of the mountain when i was a boy in 75' . Never forgot that story and it made a real difference in how I thought about my own independence and ability to be self reliant. Thus I am to this day. great docu.

[@cassiefriedman8685]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR UPLOADING THIS VIDEO!!!!

[@katiesioux7757]

I'd LOVE to read the books in your library!!!

[@--Paws--]

As a kid I always had a fascination of just drawing houses built from huge thick trees. I thought these trees and houses were just in my imagination. Glad this video was recommended

[@MzClementine]

Once in a great while KZbin will get the suggestions spot on. Oh man. Truly a historian after my heart. When I was a little girl I used to tell my mom about the people that lived in the trees. Let's just say I can remember things a lot of folks can't remember. History after my heart. My memories have not fade nor have they forgotten me.

[@RaccoonNation]

Kind of ironic that I have a raccoon who chooses to live in my home and right now together we are watching this video about humans living in trees 😆🦝♥️

[@AmericanMythology]

Haha! I’m honored to know this happened.

[@mariansmith7694]

Facinating, thank you.

[@twylacastaneda7117]

so happy about that guy on a buffalo reference! its such an underrated piece!! thank you :)

[@craftspagan]

At 65 years old, I still have dreams from reading My Side Of The Mountain when I was 11. Still want my own hollow tree.

[@kirillzapple]

Hope I don't sound too official but your's the only channel that makes me respect American youth. Thank you

[@troyfullerton889]

Wow really that's not cool

[@kirillzapple]

@@troyfullerton889 why? Do you know more channels like this one?

[@1st508thAirborne]

Great video! Just stumbled across your channel and subscribed 👍🙂

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

HA!! My Side of Mountain was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the the title of your post!! It was one of my favorites as a kid as well,I actually reread it not long ago just for kicks. There's a movie version as well. It's something I thought about constantly when I was a kid. We lived right next to 40k acres owned by The Corp of Engineers and my friends and I explored every acre. The military used to do maneuvers and war games on it up until the early 80's there were foxholes and cook shacks that consisted of a large kitchen and covered eating area. We found an old book on tactics and training info and a ton of spent 5.56 blanks. We'd trap,fish and hunt all over it. We did get run off by the military several times but they were cool about it.

[@billywest8451]

I’ve slept and camped in a few sycamore trees myself! I love the woods and forests of southern Kentucky! Born and raised outside!!

[@chegeny]

Thanks for the weird tales of the old American Northwest Territory. Must've been amazing to see that endless ancient forest.

[@herbertgearing1702]

Sycamores are very fast growing if they have plenty of water and sunshine. I had what I thought was a bush right outside my first house located right where the rain gutter emptied. Unfortunately it was a sycamore and was well over the roof of the second floor in a couple of years blocking all the sunlight and I had to cut it down, but it kept coming back for years and I fought it the whole time I lived there.

[@AmericanMythology]

Nature finds a way. They’re amazing trees.

[@davidarundel6187]

There's a sycamore tree over the road from my flat . It's come from a wind blown seed and is yet to seed and that's due to its having been cut at least once , as it took all sun off the room , letting sooty mould grow inside the room . This forced the landlord to trim it down , and it's due another trim now , as it's getting to be near 2 floors tall , and half a house wide .

[@pinkiesue849]

@@davidarundel6187 wow that is a large tree.

[@teetime4254]

Holy Moly! I remember watching this movie as a little boy and could not find it again until now!! TY for sharing!!

[@feywerfolevado6286]

My mom used to read “My Side of the Mountain” to my brother and I as children. What an amazing story! It stuck with me always

[@Reneelwaring]

I always read "The Giving Tree" to my children. I hope it meant something to them.

[@learning2live_brokeninchro157]

Totally found this on accident, but glad I did. This was amazing! I would be interested in hearing about hollow trees in the PNW, the rest of the US, or even other countries. As someone that grew up here in Oregon, I bet there are some stories out this way. This seems like a topic that could be made into a series. Maybe I’m the only history and nature nerd that would love to watch those? After watching this I immediately subscribed. Excited to watch your other videos. But seriously, make a part two!

[@AmericanMythology]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! A PNW hollow trees video is in the works, as well as some other related stories.

[@learning2live_brokeninchro157]

Can’t wait to see it! Truly love your channel.

[@troyfullerton889]

Thank you for this one loved it keep them coming

[@Whoisthiskid1]

Im glad everyone is talking about My side of the mountain... the book and movie made me love life, My dad wanted me to run away and live in a tree so badly, and so did I

[@tiffanymysticstorm1471]

My side of the mountain changed my life, I have forever had a great love of the outdoors❤️

[@fredsimmons2793]

Cathedrals!Roger Williams a Pilgrim founder when kicked out of the colonies for his stand on freedom of conscience fled to the wilderness in the dead of winter.He stayed in a tree until spring which he credits with saving his life. The Indians took him in and he went on to establish Rhode Island the cradle of religious freedom!God does work in mysterious ways! Great tribute!

[@mariansmith7694]

Old Chestnut trees and other large trees in wild, frontier areas offered shelter for animals and humans.

[@ANPC-pi9vu]

There's an area of old growth forest in Alaska with a unique sub species of wolf that makes it's home in the hollows at the bases of the trees. I'd love to see the place some day.

[@pinkiesue849]

@@ANPC-pi9vu smart wolves!

[@zipninja8499]

I just Googled "Old Chestnut Trees". Wow they are amazing!

[@TheStormey]

I grew up on a farm in the Berkshire mountains and I loved our trees, I was 12 years old when I had to move to Florida with my parents, and I remember hugging the tree and telling them I'd never let anybody cut them down and I still think about that because I never got to go back up there! what a great video thank you so much for sharing that a great piece of Americana❤❤❤❤❤

[@quadsman11]

Great and valuable stories that would otherwise be lost to time ! I am now 63yrs. old, and have memories of a massive Sycamore, that was known as the "Old Indian Treaty Tree, It was on Riverview Rd. on the Southwest end of Valley View, Ohio, I knew of this tree, and had seen it personally over a number of years of my youth, however, due to a number of floods, causing a considerable amount of rotting out of the core, and eventually vandalism, caused the remainder of the tree to be destroyed. But for a number of years, there was a bronze plack erected, just off the base of the tree, explaining it's significance ! I would guess the Sycamore would have been about 28-30ft. around, but of course, I never had the opportunity to actually measure it ! Such a shame that the tree is no longer there ! Keep up your work please ! A great amount of knowledge would otherwise be lost !

[@WoodlandPrincess369]

giant tree's, giant people, skin walkers, dang the old world was interesting...🤔🤔🤔

[@TherapyWithWind]

Another very extraordinary piece, thank you kind sir! Perhaps in your time, if you'd so fancy that is, you might look into the story and history of Harvey Firestone? A very beautiful and active eagles nest (high in a rather large treetop) overlooks the site of the original farm house... which sadly no longer stands from where it was moved to approximately 200 yards to the east.

[@AmericanMythology]

I'll check that out. Thanks for the tip!

[@TherapyWithWind]

@@AmericanMythology there's plenty of rich history to go around surrounding pine lake, New Springfield and Columbiana Ohio! Might even consider mention of the Hummel gift shop if you're able to. Again, thank you for sharing all your endeavors, research and historical wealth with us!

[@lion2535]

My side of the mountain is still one of my favorite stories, I like reading it around Christmas for some reason.

[@brendan5825]

Literally my favorite childhood book.

[@charlesmaximus9161]

This was wonderful. I must say, you have a fantastic channel. I am a New Englander, and I appreciate the deep reverence you have for your regional homeland, it’s folklore, history, and folkways. Looking forward to more content! From a Yankee to a Buckeye, God bless! P.S. I wonder, where did you get that particular sound clip of someone reading Lawson’s words at 4:13? As someone who, like yourself, is very passionate about historical preservation, history, folklore, etc. I’m also enthusiastic about language. And I couldn’t help but notice how spot-on period correct and historically accurate that accent was. That was about as close as it gets to recreating that specific rhotic accent that early English colonists had.

[@AmericanMythology]

Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel. I’m a language enthusiast too and I’ve found several voice over artists in the UK that are proficient in “original pronunciation” accents. The gentleman who recorded Lawson’s word is Simon Jackson.

[@jhtsurvival]

I'm a New Englander also. Have you looked up videos on the New England old growth Forrests? There are actually a few places around that never got cut. My parents house has a few giant oaks that grew right next to the stone walls that never were cut. Biggest fattest oak I've ever seen is in my back yard as a kid

[@meyokkob458]

I live in CT do we have any old large trees around please let me know

[@joeboatwrench9315]

Bravo! I'm disappointed that I can hit the like button only once. Great job on this video. Definitely will share this video

[@jpmcpinning4255]

I just came across this video and am so glad I did!! I am a history buff and shamed to say I have focused more outside the US then in. With trees being a part of my soul, having my first tree house at 4 years old and spending the majority of my time in them until high school , I can say you have ignited my desire to learn more about early American life with these trees. Great Video I can’t wait to see what else your channel has to offer!! Thank you !!

[@FindersKeepers88]

Your passion for the story is much appreciated, another good one, thx

[@rainsmith8718]

I like all your videos, but this one is my favorite I think.

[@herbertgearing1702]

Apparently the over mountain men used hollow trees as homes and barns for their livestock in sycamore shoals in East Tennessee or so the tour guide on the field trip I went on with my son said.

[@AmericanMythology]

That’s really cool! I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for sharing.

[@tiffanyjones8163]

My ancestors here in southeast Kentucky lived in trees and caves until they were able to build cabins. Thanks for the video!

[@jonnygranville281]

I had an awesome fort in a hollow tree. It was huge. I loved it so much. The crack was perfect size for a door.

[@eliotzarkofski4041]

What a cool video. Right up my alley. My favorite book, too. I loved the pet hawk and how he met an outdoorsman in the bush at one point and treated the man well. I hope you learn ofthe native american homes of upstate new York

[@MrChazz10]

And just to think that the most massive trees were already chopped down long ago when the Americas were first settled by Europeans so I guess it's probably not all that mythic and people really did live in hollow trees.

[@smiller2044]

MrChazz10 There existed civilization in America long before the Europeans invaded and colonized. Too bad they only desired preserving capitalism instead of nature and other cultures, the negative practices of which continues today!

[@MrChazz10]

@@smiller2044 of course I believe that. I didn't deny it, there had to be someone there if someone was living in the trees.

[@Toolshedthewatchdog]

That tiny clip of Guy onna Buffalo just made my day thank you!!!

[@gerald6811]

Not only did I find this interesting, this video genuinely made me smile.

[@troyfullerton889]

Loved that book as a kid too

[@charliekezza]

Aussie here and the stories I heard about hollow trees/logs. When kids went missing (1960's back) and found hollows they would go inside for protection but some would be at such a point they would fall into a coma and never wake up. Some of the childrens bodies were found in these hollows, occasionally they would still be alive still or worse never found and assumed to be too well hidden in these hollows or logs.

[@AmericanMythology]

Wow! Amazing and tragic. I’ve heard quite a few interesting hollow tree stories from Australia.

[@gardensofthegods]

@@AmericanMythology we had a hollow tree about a half a block from where I grew up and I loved it but regretfully you couldn't even go in it because you could smell all the urine of people who used it as a urinal !

[@sarahmccollum3694]

I am so glad you provided the lore on this subject and that you made your boyhood dream come true. You're correct. There is something so comforting and refreshing about realizing an ancient secret of living. I adored this video. Thank you!

[@BoomerMcBoom]

'My Side of The Mountain' will ALWAYS be my favorite book. Movie needs a well done ACCURATE re-make IMHO.

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

I love this..

[@barbarianleatherandblades8686]

20 years ago there was a huge hallow banyan tree in Cresent Lake Park in St. Petersburg FL. People kept setting it on fire and it eventually burnt and rotted it out but the big banyan is still there.

[@grahamhustle5551]

Had one in my backyard on lake maggorie its still the biggest on the lake but my mom sold the house

[@bbond7840]

My side of the mountain was my favorite book as a kid. Every time I went hunting I was picking out trees I could live in! Didn’t find one but it did lead to a love of camping. This is a such a super cool video.

[@theunlearnedmind7374]

As a child, we had a huge live oak on our land, 30 feet around. I had a special bond with that tree. Just thinking of it all these years later makes me smile. 😀

[@AG-iu9lv]

I remember reading that book but could not remember the title or author. I clicked on this video to see if you'd reference it, and stayed for the fascinating stories. What a treat, Thank you!

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

This subject is so me..

[@maryglo1]

There is a hollow Redwood tree near my friend's house where I lived for years. We would go there at night and have a candlelight picnic in the rain. Plenty of room to stretch out and stand up in there! Got to go there soon. My fantasy is tree houses! We had two tree houses and a fort. The last treehouse was a sleepover place with a drawbridge, bunk beds, a balcony with a trap door and a rope ladder. It was in a fairy ring near our house. We had a radio and a TV in there at one time. We finally tore it down when Dad passed away and Mom sold the house. Makes me homesick! Thank you for this story

[@ruththinkingoutside.707]

Wow.. I’m so glad this popped up on my feed.. 😊.. my side of the mountain was my favorite book as a kid too.. I even got it on audible as soon as I got the service 😝 This is AWESOME!

[@doomoo5365]

I used to plant trees in the late 80s and early 90s and I have seen a lot of beautiful Hollow trees mostly that got destroyed by logging. One small clear-cut in Union Point Georgia had several Hollow trees and at least one Survivor. One tree was a sweet gum that was bulged out at the base to where you could have fit at least 10 people in there put the top was broken off and it was hidden in Rush. I didn't go inside but you can see through several opening. Unfortunately I think they were planning to herbicide that tract of land.

[@ANPC-pi9vu]

Ugh. What were they planning for the land that made that necessary?