Linden Tree

The Site of the old Linden Tree

The linden (basswood) tree once located here was the source of a local legend concerning a Native American tribal chief who lost his seven sons to an invading tribe. Chief Mopiti, the legend goes, would use leaves from a great linden tree that stood outside of his home to brew teas. After the warring tribe left, lightning struck and destroyed this tree. When he returned to the ruins of his home years later, seven shoots were growing from the base of the fallen tree. This was taken as a sign from the Great Spirit that his sons were returned to him as the linden tree that once stood in this spot. The location has served as an early settler’s home, a stagecoach stop, and in 1949, Stone-Fish Chevrolet, who’s motto was “Trade in the shade of the Old Linden Tree.” The location later became Shelby Tire and Auto Care.