During the early nineteenth century settlements in Maine began to lose their frontier characteristics as civic improvements created more structured communities. These improvements included the regulation of livestock. During early settlement, many areas in Maine were largely agricultural and animals including swine, horses, cattle, and sheep were allowed to roam free. As infrastructure improved, it became a health hazard and a nuisance to allow this practice to continue. This resulted in the use of pounds or public enclosures where animals could be confined until redeemed by their owners for a small fine. The Town of Pownal was incorporated in 1808. Within six years community members sought the construction of a cattle pound. In 1817, town resident John Tylor was hired to build the stone walls that were to measure four feet thick at the base, eighteen inches thick at the top, six feet tall with a cap of timber nine inches square, and to enclose a space of thirty-six square feet with an iron-hinged gate. As individual farmers enclosures improved and with the invention of barbed wire in the late nineteenth century, local cattle pounds became obsolete.
Year Listed: 2004
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=62bbf0e7-0a9c-49d8-90d2-f0864cfa9402