Prepare to unravel the twisted history of "The Devil's Rope,” and discover how a simple invention sparked fierce conflicts that transformed the American West. ~ In this episode: The Homestead Act of 1862 Fence Dilemmas Leonce Eugene Grassin-Baledans, Michael Kelly, Lucien B Smith Henry M. Rose Joseph F. Glidden, Isaac L. Ellwood, Jacob Haish The "Winner" Haish and "S Barb" Wire John Warne Gates, aka "Bet a Million Gates" Frying Pan Ranch The Law of the Open Range Ranchers vs. Cowboys The Fence-Cutting Wars Nipping Blue Devil Gang and the Javelinas Barbed Wire and the Telephone ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! Midnight Merch ~ Leave an Audio Message! ~ Instagram ~ Podcast Website ~ Episode Notes and Sources