Interesting subject, hadn't thought much on the details ,,,til now. The bent marker seems a reality accepted by the academics but the kicker is
how did such a feature come to be.. ?
On a slow growing tree, the tie down must have been very heavy AND permanent to hold that position over the many yrs it takes to set a new growth direction.
The sapling must have been small enough for a couple of people to hold over....that means fairly young....would a young bent over plant continue to grow straight out in the desired direction or force it to send new growth
straight up towards the sun ?
On the tree in the pic , any sign of very old scars from vertical branches being trimmed ?
Kinda cute.. that tree direction marker expert in the reference is from Chicago....Thats reasonable, hundreds of visitors need to know how to find the loop or Navy Pier !
In the end, this is your marker tree so You can call it what you like
I was always amused by the "Indian Marker Trees on my Lady's place near Cripple Creek, Colorado. Local legend said the trees were bent to indicate the way to Pikes' Peak................like the Indians had trouble finding that big old mountain.
There are several societies around the country who document and age such trees with age being the first consideration. If a tree is on your property you can call it what ever you want.