The Signal Tree: A Forgotten Piece of History

The Signal Tree in Santa Clarita, sometimes called the Marker Tree, was once one of the best known places in the area, thanks to Ripley's Believe It or Not, but as time has gone by, it has faded from memory.

The tree's unique look is the result of it's branches being affixed to the grown by Native Americans when it was young to serve as a marker along the trail for something. What exactly the tree was marking is lost to time, but it is believed it was likely marking the way to Pico Springs.

The area the Signal Tree is in, has been used as a route through the area for hundreds of years. First used by the Tataviam people, it was later used as a stage route, The Ridge Route, and Highway 99.

As the area was built up, the tree became harder to see, obscured now by buildings, and there is no mention of it's history anywhere near it.

Just down the street from the Signal Tree is Old Glory, another Valley Oak that made national news for a bit, when an activist climbed the tree and stayed living in its branches for 71 days in order to save it.

The Signal Tree is located at 24940 Pico Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA
Old Glory is located at 25600 Pico Canyon Road.

[ByteMyWire]

Steve, you really went out on a limb doing a tree video. Nice to see you branching out and finding obscure history rooted in the middle of progress.

[mobiltec]

I'm just so glad that this tree was saved during all the construction. We are tearing down history everywhere we go now.

[xul]

Your love for hidden, obscure and lost history is exactly why I love your channel! Another great video, keep em coming!

[rodrod]

One of the few channels that gives me smiles from the beginning to the end of each video. Thanks for the smiles.

[glennparker]

Another great one. Awesome delivery as always.

[AhmedAli-uc]

God bless you Steve, I wish everybody was like you preserving the American History.

[Reziac]

I lived in the SCV 1984-1997 (then moved up to Lancaster)... at the time The Old Road was two lanes with nothing there but a gas station. Boy has it changed. And I remember the uproar about Old Glory, and when they moved it. I'm really amazed that it survived such abuse. But I'd never seen the Signal Tree. Neat to see it in photos through the years.

[daybird]

Sidetrack Adventures is so enjoyed in our home. You have brought to light so many places right in our local area that we did not even know about. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this channel.

[robertbarringer]

I was born & raised in the SCV in the late 60s, back then the area was called Newhall and Valencia. Our school used to take field trips all over the historical sites, including the Signal Tree. I remember a bunch of kids running around, ducking under, and trying to climb that tree. Looking at it today the tree hasn't changed too much (except for that broken branch), but what amazes me most is how much development there is. Back then, I-5 was pretty new, and the only roads nearby were Lyons Avenue and Pico Canyon. No hotels either, just a gas station and later a McDonald's.

Really enjoy your videos Steve!! If you make it back out to SCV check out Mentryville which is out Pico Canyon a bit further. Very historical place with ties to the pioneering oil industry of Newhall's early days.

[HeyNiagraFalls]

Sidetrack Adventures has got me looking forward to Wednesdays.
Thanks, Steve. Always enjoyable trips

[IndridCool]

Thanks Steve! My daughter lives in the area and when I visit I will also visit the trees. 😊

[harveypeters]

I never tire of your weekly documentation of history in and around the west.
Education is good, and you make it fun! Thanks, Steve!

[marinegunny]

Love Sidetrack Adventures!
Keep it up, Steve!

[hanksmith]

thank you for adding the bit of history about old highway 99 and the old map of the region

[Nova-]

I love old Oak Trees.
And I’m glad that it is protected, and it didn’t get cut down. I like the photos from 100 + years ago.
Yes, the Old Glory Oak tree, great job for it not dying when re-planted!
Thenk you for taking the time to show us these magnificent old Oak trees.

[jerroldkazynski]

Another great history nugget, Steve. Hope to see you again on the trail!

[inspiredadventuresbyjohng]

Really cool tree Awesome presentation You channel always finds Hidden gems Thank you for sharing

[SmallWonda]

Beautiful oak trees - how on earth they moved such an enormous specimen! I can't imagine!
I planted a Red Oak to commemorate my Dad, but thought at 8-yeasrs of age I wouldn't be able to move it... Not sure what my hubby would think of that... I have a Sequoia & other fine trees I've planted, but when I move, I can't take more than 1 or 2... then of course I would need the space...
But our trees are part of our history.

[mercywilliams]

I love your videos!

Attended Cal Arts in the 1980’s..a lot of fun to drive the back roads. It was Valencia Newhall and Canyon Country then. The Signal I knew was a local conservative newspaper. Stevenson Ranch not yet in existence. 🍃

[rogertemple]

This is another great historical place in California and the Signal Tree is
a very old and is an amazing looking tree still standing today thanks again
and have a great Wednesday Steve.🌳🌲🌴🇺🇲