New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Patented Wire Fence
Photographed By James Hulse, April 12, 2019
1. First Patented Wire Fence Marker
Virginia native William H. Meriwether (b. 1800), an early Comal County plantation owner, ran a sawmill, cotton gin and gristmill at this site. As an agriculturalist, he was aware of the need for an economical and practical source of fencing material. His interest led to the development of smooth wire and board fence that effectively resisted the temperature changes that had been so damaging to earlier wire fences. His invention known as snake wire fencing, was awarded patent No.10211 on November 8, 1853. It was the first patent for wire fence issued in the United States.
Although not widely accepted, Meriwether's fence was an important step in the development of an economical fencing material. It also played a role in later wire fence patent disputes. Meriwether sold his mill site to German native Joseph Landa in 1859 and moved to Tennessee, where he died in 1861.
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1807.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is November 8, 1853.
Location. 29° 42.331′ N, 98° 7.857′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Meriwether Milling (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wurstfest (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Grotto (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Church of Saints Peter and Paul (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1915 New Braunfels Post Office (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old New Braunfels High School (approx. 0.3 miles away); The New Braunfels Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); August Dietz Cottage (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.
Photographed By James Hulse, April 12, 2019
2. The nearby German Festival Pole
The marker is directly in front of this festival pole.
Photographed By James Hulse, April 12, 2019
3. The nearby Wurstfest
The marker is just to the left of the entrance to this building.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 19, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
