The Dry Stone Fences of Central Kentucky: There isnt a more beautiful place on the planet than Autumn in Kentucky. And while on my 10 mile run yesterday, I became intrigued with the stacked limestone fences that commonly line the wooded roads passing by large pastures filled with thoroughbred horses and million-dollar barns. Because no mortar is used in the fences - and because theyre obviously very old - I was curious to see if the construction techniques were similar to those used in the ancient temples of Cambodia, Egypt, and the Yucatan. And wouldnt you know it? There are very distinct similarities of which most local Kentuckians have no idea. First, you wont find dry stone walls like this in any other place in the world. Sure, other places have stone fences - but the shear distance that these fences travel is amazing. And its important to note that only 5% of the original stone fences are in existence today. 95% have been destroyed by growth. No mortar is used in the limestone anywhere; the structural integrity coming only from gravity from properly interlocking every stone perfectly; however, some researchers have mapped out the earths magnetic lay lines and have found that the earths electromagnetic energy in this area ground the stones to offer charge balance which adds to stability. This craft of dry stone walls was first introduced to the region by Scottish and Irish Master Masons - and the skills were eventually passed on to black slaves, who also became master stone workers through this practice. And as I mentioned, there are still more rock walls in Central Kentucky than any place in the world - and not one ounce of mortar is used (just like the masters built the temples in Cambodia and the pyramids of Egypt). Today, its a lost art. And although a conservatory was established in Lexington a few years ago, the walls are still being destroyed daily - including the legendary Paris Pike wall (which was once the longest in the world) due to growth and widening the highway. Its a shame. Ive asked several people about these dry stone walls and no one has the slightest idea. Sure, we appreciate how nice they look - but the appreciation for the global significance, the ancient craft, the toiling man-hours, the literal magnetic forces of the earth, and the lost art of even how to replace them are, Im afraid, gone forever. The dry stone walls of Central Kentucky are absolutely fascinating.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 14:08:11 +0000
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