In Old Europe, the concept of pickets originated from military gear, specifically logs sharpened into pointed sticks or boards, known as "piquet" in French. These pickets served as essential protection for archers against cavalry attacks. As colonists began to settle in the New World, they found themselves in a need to demarcate and potentially defend their land. Thus, they constructed fences made of rough pickets, either left in their natural state or painted with a striking white color. Over time, this style of fencing became widely recognized as the iconic picket fence, symbolizing both boundary and charm. But have you ever wondered, what’s the picket fence named after?
What Does a White Picket Fence Mean?
A white picket fence is more than just a decorative boundary; it’s symbolism extends far beyond it’s physical presence. Traditionally, it represents the idealized American dream, conjuring images of suburban bliss and a peaceful, idyllic lifestyle. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, harking back to a time when communities were tightly knit, and neighbors knew each other by name.
The significance of the white color lies in it’s association with purity, innocence, and cleanliness. The pristine whiteness of the pickets symbolizes a barrier that separates the beauty and harmony within the home from the chaos and unpredictability of the outside world. It acts as a protective boundary, shielding the inhabitants from the unwanted interference of the outside world, while simultaneously preserving a sense of openness and welcoming to passersby.
It’s important to note that the picket fence doesn’t solely signify exclusivity or isolation. Rather, it represents a balance between privacy and community, creating a visual representation of the familiar saying, “good fences make good neighbors.”. The evenly spaced vertical boards, or pickets, reflect the idea that while individuals have their own personal space, they’re still interconnected, fostering a sense of unity and neighborly bonds.
Picket-fence federalism, also referred to as cooperative federalism, is a governance model that focuses on the collaboration and interdependence between different levels of government. Instead of a top-down approach, this framework recognizes the diverse responsibilities and programs engaged by national, state, and local authorities. The horizontal boards in a picket fence represent the respective roles of each level of government, while the vertical pickets symbolize the vast range of programs and policies they undertake. This form of federalism emphasizes cooperation and coordination to address the needs and interests of the people effectively.
What Is the Characteristic of Picket Fence Federalism?
Picket-fence federalism is a concept that characterizes the relationship between the different levels of government (national, state, and local) and the multitude of programs and policies they’re involved in. The term “picket fence” refers to the horizontal boards in a fence that symbolize the levels of government, while the vertical pickets represent the different programs and policies.
In this model of federalism, each level of government has it’s own distinct responsibilities and areas of policy involvement, represented by the vertical pickets. These policies often intersect and require collaboration between the different levels. This interdependence is akin to the interconnectedness of the various pickets in a picket fence.
For example, at the national level, there might be a Department of Education, while at the state level, there could be a State Education Agency.
By delineating specific policy areas and assigning responsibilities, this model attempts to ensure efficiency and accountability in policy implementation.
This model promotes collaboration, coordination, and a division of responsibilities, as represented by the interconnected pickets in a picket fence.
The popularity of the white picket fence surged in the late 1800s, contrasting the brief trend of borderless front yards in emerging suburban areas. According to scholar Fred E.H. Schroeder’s book “Front Yard America,” the Colonial Revival design movement, which emerged around the 1876 centennial, played a significant role in promoting and popularizing the iconic picket fence.
When Was the White Picket Fence Invented?
During the late 1800s, the concept of the white picket fence emerged as a trendy addition to the front yards of newly developed suburban areas. Scholars such as Fred E.H. Schroeder have noted that, for a brief period, borderless front yards were in vogue. However, this trend quickly faded as the Colonial Revival design movement gained prominence around the time of the 1876 centennial. Embracing a nostalgic vision of Americana, this movement championed the picket fence as a vital component of the idealized suburban landscape.
The picket fence quickly became synonymous with the picturesque charm of the traditional American home. It’s simple yet elegant design complemented the architectural styles of the era, particularly the Colonial Revival. With it’s neatly spaced vertical pickets and often painted white, the fence became a defining feature of these homes, serving as a boundary that demarcated the property while simultaneously adding visual appeal.
It serves as a reminder of the role fences and physical boundaries have played in shaping the American landscape and the way we perceive our homes.
Picket fences have long been an iconic symbol of traditional American homes. These fences consist of evenly spaced vertical boards, known as “pickets,” which are affixed to horizontal rails. But have you ever wondered why they’re called pickets? It turns out, their name is derived from the pointed stakes used by infantry to fend off cavalry. Remarkably, picket fences bear a striking resemblance to these historical defensive structures. Let’s explore the intriguing history and enduring charm of picket fences.
Why Are Picket Fences Called Picket?
Picket fences are often associated with classic American homes and evoke a sense of charm and nostalgia. These fences have been used for centuries to enclose and define property boundaries. But have you ever wondered why they’re called “picket fences”?
The term “picket” in picket fences refers to the evenly spaced vertical boards that are affixed to the horizontal rails. These boards, commonly made of wood, have pointed tops, giving them a distinct appearance. The name “pickets” can be traced back to their resemblance to the pointed stakes that were historically used by infantry to repel cavalry.
In medieval times, infantry units would create a defensive line by driving stakes into the ground at regular intervals. Over time, the term “picket” became associated with any pointed stake or structure resembling it.
When picket fences were first introduced, they were designed to mimic the appearance of fortifications used in warfare. The vertical boards, resembling the pointed stakes, were fixed onto the horizontal rails to create a defensive barrier around the property. This design not only provided security but also added aesthetic appeal to homes.
So, the next time you admire a picket fence, you can appreciate the historical origins behind it’s name.
Conclusion
The picket fence, commonly associated with the charming landscapes of colonial America, finds it’s origins in the military strategies of Old Europe. However, as New World colonists sought to establish boundaries and protect their land, they repurposed this military gear to create fences made of rough pickets. Whether left bare or painted white, these fences served both practical and aesthetic purposes in the early days of American settlement. Today, the picket fence remains a symbol of colonial charm and a testament to the resourcefulness of those who utilized their surroundings to forge a sense of security and identity in a new land.