“Everything you want to know about barbed wire and fencing tools.”
Several patents for fencing wire were issuedfrom 1853 to 1867, only one had projecting points. The first practical "barbed wire" invention came from Michael Kelly of New York in 1868. His design allowed factory manufacture. Barbed wire as we know it today, came from the mind of Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois in 1874. He improvised with various modifications until he came up with a design that would withstand years of court litigation earning him the title of "The Father of Barbed Wire. Today, more than 450 patents exist for barbed wire and more than 2,000 types and variations of barbed wire have been found by collectors. Also coveted are historical documents, photos, wire tools, advertisements, catalogs, patent models, wire medicine samples and memorabilia.
Very cool place, easy access right off 40. Never realized the was so many and diverse geneology for barb wire.
Closed until further notice- so disappointed. Looks like a cool place!
Looked so good and interesting but closed due to pandemic. We will be back.
If you're traveling down Route 66, this is a great little museum to stop in at. It's very well-kept and organized. There's also a great gift shop.
There's also a section on Route 66 history as well as the Dust Bowl, which I found pretty fascinating.
The museum is free, but please donate to keep it going. McLean needs it.
As of 12/29/20, Close until further notice. For concerns of employees
We visited the devil's rope museum during our raod trip on route 66. It sure was amazing to discover the variety of barb wire and theirusage ... from different kinds of fencing to ornaments, railing designs and other cool stuff#
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Devil’s Rope Museum
Hours
- Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Pets Allowed
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
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