Introduction
The Rabbit Proof Fence is a 1,139-mile long fence in Western Australia that was originally built to keep rabbits out of agricultural areas. It was constructed between 1901 and 1907 and is one of the longest continuous structures in the world. The fence consists of three separate fences, known as the No. 1 Fence, the No. 2 Fence, and the No. 3 Fence, which run parallel to each other and are connected by gates.
History of the Rabbit Proof Fence
The idea for the Rabbit Proof Fence was first proposed in the late 19th century, when rabbits were causing widespread damage to crops and pasture land in Western Australia. The fence was designed to prevent rabbits from moving into the agricultural areas in the south of the state, where they were causing the most damage. Construction of the fence began in 1901 and was completed in 1907.
Structure of the Fence
The Rabbit Proof Fence consists of three separate fences, each of which is made of wire mesh and stands approximately six feet tall. The fences are connected by gates, which allow for the movement of people and livestock between the different sections of the fence. The No. 1 Fence is the longest of the three fences, stretching for over 1,100 miles from north to south.
Impact of the Fence
The Rabbit Proof Fence was successful in its original goal of keeping rabbits out of agricultural areas in Western Australia. However, the fence also had unintended consequences, such as disrupting the natural migration patterns of native animals and dividing the habitats of indigenous communities. In recent years, there has been debate about the effectiveness and ethics of the fence.
Legacy of the Fence
The Rabbit Proof Fence is now a popular tourist attraction in Western Australia, with visitors coming from around the world to see the historic structure. The fence has also been the subject of books, films, and documentaries, including the 2002 film “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” which tells the story of three indigenous girls who escape from a government settlement and attempt to find their way home by following the fence.
Controversies Surrounding the Fence
There has been ongoing debate about the legacy of the Rabbit Proof Fence, with some arguing that it represents a dark chapter in Australia’s history of colonialism and forced assimilation of indigenous peoples. Others defend the fence as a necessary measure to protect agricultural land from invasive species. The debate continues to this day, with no clear consensus on the fence’s impact.
Current State of the Fence
Today, the Rabbit Proof Fence is still maintained by the Western Australian government, although its original purpose of keeping rabbits out of agricultural areas is no longer as relevant. The fence is now more of a historical landmark than a functional barrier, but it continues to attract visitors and serve as a reminder of Western Australia’s agricultural history.