Not many farms have fences today but 150 years ago, they were needed to confine animals and protect gardens and field crops from damage by animals running loose. There were all types of fences—wood, hedges, stone and smooth wire—but it was the invention of barbed wire that proved most successful, cost effective, and changed history.

The Hinckley Historical Society will host a free program on September 17 to share information about  the impact barbed wire had on settling the West, and the role Hinckley’s Charles Kennedy and Jacob Haish played in barbed wire development. The program will be held in the Community Building (100 N Maple St., Hinckley) starting at 6:30 p.m.

One of the speakers will be Jessi Haish LaRue, executive director for the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, DeKalb. The Center is planning a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s barbed wire patent on September 28-29 and Jessi will share details. Ellwood House Museum Executive Director Izabela Pieniadz will share the impact that barbed wire had on patent law, property rights, and the end of the open range.