The History of Fencing

Fence installation has been around a very long time, but where did it start?

The word "fence" comes up dozens of times in the Bible, and for good reason. Fences have played a pivotal role in dividing up property and marking boundaries for thousands of years.

The origin of the word “fence” comes from the word fens, a short word for defense, or protection. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a structure serving as a barrier, boundary or enclosure, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails."

Ancient Fencing

Ancient civilizations employed various types of fences, often using locally available materials and construction techniques. While the specific names of these ancient fence types may vary depending on the region and culture, here are some general categories and examples:

Wattle Fencing:

• Description: Wattle fencing is one of the oldest types of fencing, constructed by weaving branches or thin strips of wood between upright posts.
• Ancient Use: Wattle fencing was used by many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Romans, for creating barriers and enclosures.

Hedgerows:

• Description: Hedgerows involve planting shrubs or trees in a line to form a natural barrier. Over time, these plants grow and intertwine, creating a dense and effective boundary.
• Ancient Use: Hedgerows have been utilized in various ancient agricultural societies, providing boundaries for fields and pastures.

Palisade Fencing:

• Description: Palisade fencing involves erecting vertical posts in the ground and connecting them with horizontal beams or planks. This creates a sturdy and imposing barrier.
• Ancient Use: Palisade fencing was commonly used for defensive purposes around settlements, forts, and other important structures in ancient times.

Dry Stone Walls:

• Description: Dry stone walls are constructed by stacking stones without the use of mortar. The weight and arrangement of stones create a stable and durable fence.
• Ancient Use: Dry stone walls were prevalent in regions where suitable stones were abundant, such as in parts of Europe and the Middle East.

Thorn Hedges:

• Description: Thorn hedges involve the planting of thorny bushes or shrubs in a line to create a natural, defensive barrier.
• Ancient Use: Thorn hedges were used for both agricultural and defensive purposes in various ancient societies.

Bamboo Fencing:

• Description: Bamboo fencing is created by bundling together bamboo stalks to form a barrier. It is lightweight, flexible, and sustainable.
• Ancient Use: Bamboo fencing has a long history in Asian cultures, where bamboo was plentiful. It was used for property delineation and agricultural purposes.

Paling Fences:

• Description: Paling fences consist of vertical boards or palings attached to horizontal rails. This type of fencing provides both privacy and a visually appealing barrier.
• Ancient Use: Paling fences have been used in various cultures, evolving over time with different materials and construction techniques.

Brushwood Fencing:

• Description: Brushwood fencing is constructed using branches or twigs bound together to form a dense and natural barrier.
• Ancient Use: Brushwood fences were used by indigenous cultures in different parts of the world for creating enclosures and boundaries.

While these terms describe general categories, it's important to note that the specific names and variations of ancient-style fences may differ based on the geographical region and cultural context. Ancient people often adapted their fencing techniques to suit the available materials and environmental conditions.

History of American Fencing

During the colonial period in America, the types of fences installed by colonists were influenced by the materials available, the needs of the community, and the local environment. The following are some common types of fences that were prevalent among the colonists:

Split Rail Fences:

• Description: Split rail fences, also known as log fences or zigzag fences, are constructed using horizontal rails that are split from logs. These rails are typically stacked in a zigzag pattern between posts.
• Colonial Use: Split rail fences were widely used by early American colonists to enclose fields and pastures. They were relatively easy to construct using simple tools and readily available wood.

Post-and-Rail Fences:

• Description: Post-and-rail fences consist of vertical posts with horizontal rails connecting them. The number of rails can vary, and the spacing between them is typically wide.
• Colonial Use: Similar to split rail fences, post-and-rail fences were commonly used for agricultural purposes, marking property boundaries and containing livestock.

Stone Fences:

• Description: Stone fences involve stacking stones without mortar to create a barrier. The height and thickness of the wall depend on the availability of stones.
• Colonial Use: In regions where suitable stones were abundant, such as New England, colonists constructed stone fences for agricultural purposes and as property boundaries.

Picket Fences:

• Description: Picket fences consist of upright pickets (vertical boards) attached to horizontal rails. The pickets are typically pointed at the top.
• Colonial Use: Picket fences were often used in more settled areas and around homes. They served decorative and ornamental purposes while providing a level of containment.

Hedgerows:

• Description: Hedgerows involve planting shrubs or trees in a line to create a natural, living barrier. Over time, the plants grow and intertwine.
• Colonial Use: Hedgerows were sometimes used for both decorative and functional purposes, providing natural boundaries around gardens and fields.

Wattle Fencing:

• Description: Wattle fencing is constructed by weaving branches or thin strips of wood between upright posts.
• Colonial Use: While more common in earlier periods, wattle fencing continued to be used by some colonists, especially in agricultural settings.

Wooden Paling Fences:

• Description: Paling fences consist of vertical boards or palings attached to horizontal rails. This type of fencing provides both privacy and a visually appealing barrier.
• Colonial Use: Wooden paling fences were used in more settled areas, particularly around homes and gardens, providing a combination of functionality and aesthetics.

The specific type of fence installed varied based on factors such as geography, available resources, and the individual needs of each community. Colonists used these fences not only for practical purposes like agriculture and livestock containment but also to define property lines and establish a sense of order within their settlements.

The need for fencing goes back thousands, if not millions of years. The need for privacy and to mark one's territory and property continues to this day. Fences not only provide a way to mark an area or boundary, but they also serve to provide security from trespassers both human or animal.

The most common types of fencing that is installed today is:

• Privacy Fencing
• Picket Fencing
• Split Rail Fencing
• Aluminum Fencing
• Cedar Fencing
• Vinyl Fencing

As you can see, we are all about fencing! If you'd like to learn more about our fence installation for your home or business, please contact us today for a free estimate.