When building a barbed-wire fence, a person needs an easy way to unroll the spools of wire. Many methods have been used, such as putting the wire spool on a stationary bar and then pulling the wire ...

Few inventions that were designed in the 1870s that have not changed since they were patented, and they are still widely used in the 21st century. Barbed wire is an innovation that fits this category, ...

In 1876 salesman John W. Gates brought barbed wire to Texas when he wagered $1 million that he could build a fence that would capably contain cattle. Some incredulous gambler took the bet. Gates ...