Page:Historic highways of America (Volume 2).djvu/48

This page has been validated.
44
INDIAN THOROUGHFARES

like the main trails save that they were less used at many seasons of the year. The meeting-place of two great Indian trails was an historic spot, not to be forgotten by the scout, guide, or geographer. They were vital points in the country and often became landmarks. A narrow Indian trail, portage, or junction became in more than one instance the boundary line of the United States. A post or pillar was sometimes raised to mark the junction of two routes. Here large cleared spaces were formed where Indian peddlers plied their trade and Indian orators appealed to listening audiences.