The Witches Tree

Keep an eye out for the gnarled Witches Tree in Old Louisville! It's dripping in garland and beaded necklaces, hung over its branches, with other odds and ends stuck into its nooks and crannies. After hearing so much about it, I found myself face to face with it when we were stopped at the corner of Sixth Street and Park Avenue, on the way to the St. James Art Fair. You definitely know it when you see it.According to legend, this tree was the meeting spot for a coven of witches in the 1800s. But then the city wanted to get rid of the tree, which angered the witches, so they cast a curse -- ya know, like ya do. Eleven months to the day after the tree was cut down, the city suffered from a severe storm, and lightning hit the stump. Folks believed the witches sent a storm demon. From the stump, a new tree grew -- the knobby, twisted tree that stalks there today. Or, ya know, it's just an ugly tree, so a story was made up about it. Anyway, it's worth a stop, and you can leave your own tribute among its branches. I was sad, though, to see that the home behind it has been condemned. Hopefully someone can either rehab the building or build something better there that compliments the tree, lest the witches get pissed and curse us again.

If you are in the area and close by - stop and see it. If not, not sure it's worth a drive just for the tree. We came in the area to experience Old Louisville and found the tree at the corner of the park. It was cool to get out and see it and see the offerings other visitors had left. It's twisty and tangly and beautiful. I did not have much of an offering to leave, but I did place my hand on the tree and speak to the ancestors and speak some positivity and blessings into it in. It is kind of awkward that it is actually located in someone's yard on a residential street so I felt a bit like I was imposing... but not too much obviously lol Cool stop while we were in the area.

In Old Louisville in the same area as all of the beautiful old mansions, there is a tree, an old Maple tree, this isn't just any tree. This tree's whole trunk is covered with bumps and twists making it rather unique, some might say it's beautiful, while others might call it less then. I personally don't believe in witches or witchcraft, but according to legend of Old Louisville, this tree was the meeting spot for witches in the 19th century. While these witches haven't come around in over 100 years, they have been protecting Louisville prior to then.In addition to having its bumps and twists, it is also covered in colorful beads, dollar bills, engravings, even shoes. All of these trinkets were left behind by visitors. It is bad luck to take something away from The Witches' Tree, but it is good luck to leave something behind.This tree is right in front of someone's residence. They must be an annoyed that there's always someone admiring the tree on their property. If in the area please stop by The Witches' Tree, and see what else her branches are holding.

The witches tree is a cool local/neighborhood urban legend in old Lousiville portion of the city in which people offer gathering and gifts to this wicked looking tree in order cast off what originally was bad weather. Over the years the story is changed depending who you are talking too. Like most urban legends it takes a life of its own. The tree is somewhat difficult to find and if you didn't know to look for it you would miss it. If you use the address on file it will get you close. Look for the end of Central Park and across the street diagonally you will see the tree and it's offerings. Very cool to take a look at. Please note that this is someone's personal residence so it would be nice to be respectful to the property with debris and noise levels. Overall cool piece of the cities history and a fun quick thing to check out. You can read more on the tree if you Google witches tree Lousiville and you will actually see it actually has its own official website with info.

There is a lot of free street parking available to see this attractions. It is located across the street from central park and is in front of a house. I may be a little critical, but it looks a little trashy. But that is just my opinion.The tree is an odd looking tree that has stuff hanging from it likes a cone, stuffed animals, keys and beads. People offer the tree these items in the hopes of gaining some favor or luck. It is believed that the higher up in the branches you throw them, the better luck you're supposed to have.So the story of the tree goes like this. The tree was a favorite gathering spot for witches and voodoo practitioners in the late 1800s. The city planned on removing the tree for its annual May Day celebration. The cut it down and erected it as a maypole. The witches were pissed and allegedly conjured up up a destructive tornado, in retaliation, that destroyed much of Louisville and killed 100 people. During the storm, a bolt of lightning blasted the stump left by the old tree and a knotted tree sprang up to replace the old one. If half of that story is true.....WOW!!!Anyway, I may be screwed because I did not have anything to offer the tree except my good looks and charm. I appreciate the tree's urban legend and history (true or not), but I was not feeling it so much. It is a brief stop and you could easily stop by while visiting the park across the street.

Spoopy.The first time I visited and learned about the Witches' Tree was as part of a haunted walking tour of Old Louisville (which if you haven't done one of those...I HIGHLY recommend that!). It's has a wild story and is quite the piece of local flavor!The giant, old, gnarled and knotty tree sits on a corner in the front yard of a small apartment building, kiddie-corner/catty-corner/diagonally across the street from Central Park. It has a folkloric history as being a gathering place for a coven of witches. The city wanted to remove the tree, much to the coven's displeasure and they set a curse. A large storm tore though the city, wreaking much havoc. The remains of the original Witches' Tree was stuck by lightning, and a new knotted, gnarled arboreal wonder sprang forth. Today, people pay visits and leave tokens at the foot of the trunk or in the arms and branches, meant to pay respect and curry favor with the magical world. A fun piece of spooky haunted wacky history.

My buddy Joe and I went around yesterday afternoon and visited a bunch of local art scenes and different things in the area. We stopped by the witches tree which is located next to Central Park. And we had a really good time see the different sites this is a unique structure that is on somebody's property. And it has different which is in ornaments and things like that it's supposed to keep a storm away or something of that urban legend so it's cool go check it out

The address is 1330 6th St, at the northwest corner of S 6th St and Park Ave, cattycorner from Central Park. Be aware that across 6th St the sign says NO STOPPING ANY TIME.

Truly, loved being at this tree in person! Just becareful going at night time! Day time is okay. Parking isn't that far away and seemed free at the time we went! The trees energy was crazy awesome! Hope to visit again!

Don't forget to bring a trinket to leave! It's off the northwestern corner of Central Park.