Blue Ridge Parkway
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FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting and enhancing the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure. FRIENDS programs focus on preservation, protection and education. FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia, whose current principal business address for identification purposes is P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018. |
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Fence Styles of the Blue Ridge
Post and Stake (Also called Virginia Stake and Rail): This fence is built with two upright members of different sizes planted firmly in the ground in intervals to accommodate the length of the rails. Uprights hold the ends of the horizontal split rails that can be wired together for additional strength and longevity. This fence is often the style of choice on uneven or sloping terrain.
Virginia Snake (Also called Worm Fence): This fence has no upright members. It is a series of horizontal split rails placed in a zig-zag pattern. In theory one rail will support the next rail but wire is often used to secure them at junctions. The crown or “bow” of the wood is placed down so as to lend additional support. Post and Rail: This fence is a series of upright posts with holes bored into the sides to accommodate rails that slip in horizontally. This style is commercially manufactured today on a wide scale. Cross-Buck: (also called the New England Cross and Rail) This fence is more popular in the North Carolina sections of the Parkway due to the terrain differences. It employs the principles of the snake rail fence and the post and stake but instead of the post, there is a cross hatch of two timbers that hold the rails in place. Wire is wrapped at strategic intervals on the horizontal members for support. Post and Rail Snake: Picture a Snake Fence that is secured at the junctions with posts on either side. These decorative fences are usually wired together and are employed in high use areas where people are likely to congregate. |
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| Copyright 2002 - 2009, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. All rights reserved. | ||
Traditionally, farm fences had four to six horizontal members of approximately 11 feet. Soft, second growth wood was expected to last around 5 years. Early farmers, building for the future, insisted on virgin wood. Old growth chestnut was plentiful in the Appalachian Range and was the wood of choice. Other parts of the country relied on cedar and locust. Today, the replacement wood rails and posts along the BRP are treated poplar.