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 Texas : Features : Columns : "It's All Trew"

UNIQUE MONUMENT
Located at the Devil's Rope Museum

3 Blocks East of Main
McLean, Texas

by Delbert Trew
Delbert Trew
Tribute to Barbed WireThe "TRIBUTE TO BARBED WIRE" The Only Monument in the World dedicated to Barbed Wire
Photo courtesy TXDoT
Imagine two huge solid barbed wire balls weighing approximately 400 pounds each, sitting atop limestone rock fenceposts and joined by antique wrought iron fencing. This unique monument is the creation of Frank and Violet Smith of Keller, Texas. The Smiths are charter members of the Devil's Rope Museum of McLean, Texas, and the museum, known as the largest barbed wire museum in the world, features this "Tribute to Barbed Wire" monument at the front entrance. It has been photographed by more than 85,000 visitors since 1992.
Devil's Rope Museum
Interior
Photo courtesy TXDoT
The Smith's used it as a yard ornament and nameplate for their home in Keller, Texas for many years as they were avid collectors of barbed wire and other memorabilia. They donated the monument to the museum in 1992 and it was moved and erected permanently at the present site.

Historians state that, "Barbed wire gave us control of the land, and windmills made the land habitable." Barbed wire was chosen as one of the most significant patents to come out of the Industrial Revolution. Collectors say, "Get Hooked, on collecting barbed wire."

© Delbert Trew
"It's All Trew" March 24, 2004 column
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