Advantageous Fencing (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this trailside historical marker:

Advantageous Fencing
"Much fencing is necessary at this plantation before it can be said to be advantageously laid off and in good order."
George Washington to John Fairfax, January 1, 1789

When it came to fencing, George Washington was ahead of his time. Not only did he use fences to keep deer and other wild animals away from his crops, fencing was also part of his plan to keep the soil healthy. By fencing the livestock in fields of grass, he used their manure as a natural fertilizer to enrich the soil. Each type of fence had its own purpose.

Split rail fences were movable and used primarily around fields. Its flexibility allowed it to be laid around trees and other obstacles, a tremendous advantage.

Wattle fencing was tightly woven to pen poultry and small animals, and to protect them from predators such as foxes.

Post and rail fences were used to permanently mark boundary lines and keep animals in specific fields.

Hurdle fences were small and portable, and used primarily to keep animals in an area for grazing and manuring.