Chapter 18, Student Web Activities, Texas and Texans, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 18: Ranching and Farming
"Barbed Wire"

Introduction
How could a simple steel thread and some wooden posts change West Texas and lead to open warfare? A smooth thread of steel had little effect, but when barbs were added to it, the open range in Texas came to an end. In this activity, you will learn more about the history and development of barbed wire.

Destination Title: Devil's Rope Barbed Wire Museum

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Directions
Start at the Devil's Rope Barbed Wire Museum Web site.

Scroll down and click on Barbed Wire History.
Read the information provided.

After you read the information, answer the following questions.

1. There was plenty of smooth wire available by 1870. Why was this not widely used in Texas?

2. Who invented and patented barbed wire in the form that we recognize today? What process did he first use to make barbed wire?

3. Why did the fence-cutting wars break out?

4. Which large ranches in Texas were the first to begin fencing their boundaries?

5. Advertising played a large role in the success of barbed wire fencing. In the space below, write an advertisement for your own brand of barbed wire. Describe what the barbed wire looks like, how it helps farmers and ranchers, and what you will name it.