'''Barbed wire''' is a type of twisted fencing wire with short projecting barbs that are designed to snag on hair, flesh or clothing. The original patent for barbed wire was awarded to Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, IL in 1874 and it became invaluable in restricting the movement of livestock, as it required only wooden stakes, staples and a hammer for unskilled labor to erect a stock-proof fence. This invention enabled the development of large-scale [[cattle]]-ranching. | '''Barbed wire''' is a type of twisted fencing wire with short projecting barbs that are designed to snag on hair, flesh or clothing. The original patent for barbed wire was awarded to Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, IL in 1874 and it became invaluable in restricting the movement of livestock, as it required only wooden stakes, staples and a hammer for unskilled labor to erect a stock-proof fence. This invention enabled the development of large-scale [[cattle]]-ranching. |