STONEWALLS IN WAYNE COUNTY

Stone walls have dotted the landscape in Wayne County for nearly 200 years, since the beginning of farming in the area.  Wherever a stone wall was found, it was probably once a farmer's field.

Wayne County was once a forest.  Trees, bushes and stones had to be removed in order to clear the land.  It was logical for farmers to place the stones around their fields.  Most stone walls were done carefully, laying up larger stones at the base, and then tapering in smaller stones.

"Stone picking" was a job every farmer had to look forward in the spring.  During the winter the ground froze and thawed, causing stones to rise to the surface.  The farmer had to bring out the "stone boat" before spring plowing, attach it to the horses (later the tractor), and carefully were tossed upon it.