A defining element of the American West during the late 19th century, this fencing material revolutionized land management and agricultural practices. Its relatively low cost and effectiveness in containing livestock fundamentally altered the open range, enabling farmers and ranchers to delineate property lines and protect crops from grazing animals. It consists of twisted strands of wire interspersed with sharp, pointed barbs, preventing animals from crossing.
The widespread adoption of this innovation had profound consequences. It facilitated the enclosure of land, often leading to conflicts between ranchers who traditionally relied on open grazing and farmers seeking to establish settled agricultural communities. This contributed to the decline of the cowboy lifestyle and the end of the open range era. It also played a role in displacing Native American populations, whose traditional hunting grounds were increasingly fenced off.
