The Great Wall of China, Hadrian’s Wall, and Your Backyard: A Brief History of Fences
By Jason McLaughlan, CEO of Western Fence Company
Pop quiz: What do the Great Wall of China, Hadrian’s Wall, and your backyard fence have in common?
They all exist for the same reason—boundaries matter.
Sure, your vinyl picket fence isn’t exactly defending against invading armies (unless you count the neighbor’s overly friendly golden retriever), but the principle is the same. Fences have been shaping civilizations, protecting property, and defining spaces for thousands of years. And honestly? That’s pretty cool.
Fences: Older Than You Think
The first fences weren’t white picket dreams or sleek aluminum panels. They were piles of rocks, thorny bushes, and whatever else ancient humans could stack up to say, “This is mine, that’s yours, let’s all get along.”
Fast forward a few millennia, and fences got serious. The Great Wall of China (built around 7th century BC) wasn’t just a fence—it was a statement. Hadrian’s Wall in England? Same deal. These weren’t just barriers; they were symbols of power, protection, and “please stay on your side.”
Here in the U.S., barbed wire changed everything in the 1870s. Suddenly, ranchers could fence off massive properties without chopping down entire forests. It revolutionized agriculture, settled land disputes, and made the Wild West a little less wild.
What Fences Say About Us
Here’s the thing: fences aren’t just functional. They’re personal. The type of fence you choose says something about who you are and what you value.
* Wood fence? Classic, warm, and timeless. You appreciate tradition.
* Chain link? Practical, durable, and no-nonsense. You get stuff done.
* Ornamental iron? Elegant, secure, and a little bit fancy. You’ve got taste.
* Vinyl or aluminum? Low-maintenance and modern. You’re smart with your time.
At Western Fence Company, we’ve installed them all. Since 1948, we’ve helped Utahns choose fences that fit their lives, their properties, and their personalities. And after 75+ years, we’ve learned one thing: there’s no such thing as a boring fence project.
The Jason McLaughlan Philosophy
As CEO of Utah’s oldest fence company, I’ve seen fences protect families, boost property values, and even settle neighborly disputes (amicably, of course). I’ve also seen cheap fences fall apart after one winter and beautiful fences stand strong for decades.
That’s why we only install fences we’d put on our own properties. Every project gets the same care, the same quality materials, and the same one-year warranty. Whether you’re fencing in a backyard, a ranch, or a commercial property, we treat it like it matters—because it does.
Your Fence, Your Legacy
You might not be building the next Great Wall, but your fence is still part of your story. It’s where your kids play, where your dog runs, where you host summer BBQs and enjoy quiet mornings with coffee.
So why settle for anything less than the best?
Ready to build your legacy? Visit westernfenceco.com or give us a call. Let’s create something that lasts.
Jason McLaughlan is the CEO of Western Fence Company, Utah’s most experienced fencing provider since 1948. When he’s not geeking out over fence history, he’s helping Utahns find the perfect fence for their property.
