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Simple split-rail fence.

A split-rail fence or log fence is a type of fence constructed out of timber logs, usually split lengthwise into "rails" and typically used for agricultural or decorative fencing. Such fences require much more timber than other types of fences, and so are not common in areas where wood is scarce or expensive. However, they are very simple in their construction, and can be assembled with few tools even on hard or rocky ground. They also can be built without using any nails or other hardware; such hardware was often scarce in frontier locations. They can even be partially or wholly disassembled if the fence needs moved or the wood becomes more useful for other purposes. During the Civil War, these split rail fences were a major source of firewood for both the Union and Confederate armies.

Log fence with double posts (photo taken in 1938).

Split rail fences were made of easy to split, rot resistant wood. Traditionally American chestnut was the tree of choice until wire fencing became cheaper and the chestnut blight eliminated this tree. Currently, most split rails are made from cedar logs. Whether of chestnut or cedar, these logs were cut to a length of 10 to 12 feet and split down the length of the log. Each half was then split into quarters, then eighths and so on until the rails were of a useable size. Depending on the diameter of the log, you could get 4 rails from an 8 inch log to over a dozen from larger logs. The pieces, called "rails," were stacked on top of one another. Most split rail fences had the rails stacked in an interlocking zig-zag fashion that is self-supporting, easy to create, easy to repair, and easy to dissasemble.

A split-rail fence with supports.

Some timber fences had the rails stacked directly on top of each other and secured them with double fence posts (one on either side of the rails). This made a more permanent and compact fence but remained easy to repair.

The length of a zig zag fence was such that the distance between either the zigs or the zags was 16 1/2 feet or one rod. A landowner could then count the zigs or the zags along the side and end of his field and determine the number of square rods in a field which in turn told him how many acres the field contained. One hundred sixty square rods is one acre, so a field ten rods times sixteen rods was an acre.

A split-rail fence in suburban America with wire fence cover, built 1999.

A variation on the traditional split-rail fence has become common in suburban America in the late 20th century. This variation is not free-standing but consists of vertical posts with holes into which the ends of rough hewn horizontal pieces are placed. A common addition to this, particular where pets or children are involved, is a wire fence affixed to the inner or outer face of the split-rail fence.

Abraham Lincoln did a lot of rail splitting in his youth, as he needed the money. He was glad to get better work. ^[1] Some of his politican friends wish to use "Lincoln the rail-splitter" as a election slogan.

1. ^ Lincoln by David Herbert Donald