What explains the abundance of stone fences in New England by the late nineteenth century?

The abundance of stone fences in New England by the late nineteenth century can be attributed to the need to clear farmland of glacial fieldstones. During the last Ice Age, glaciers deposited large amounts of stone and boulders across the landscape in New England. As settlers moved into the region and began to farm the land, they encountered these stones, which impeded agricultural activities.

To make the land suitable for farming, settlers would gather and remove these stones from their fields. They often used the cleared stones to construct fences, which served several purposes. Not only did these stone fences mark property boundaries and contain livestock, but they also effectively utilized the abundant natural resources available to the settlers. The practice of building stone fences became both a practical solution for dealing with the rocky terrain and a manifestation of the cultural identity of the region during that period.

As a consequence, the extensive stone fences that characterize much of New England today are largely a result of this historical agricultural necessity rather than purely decorative purposes, regulatory measures, or urban development.