[MassHistPres] Boundary walls

[Barbara]

The discussion on stone walls and boundary walls is very intriguing. 




In my former life I was a title examiner for an attorney and a deed researcher for a land surveyor.  I am interested in a definition of historic stone boundary walls as well as a legal definition of the same.  



Stone walls have been important in designating types of land boundaries during most historic periods of time.  In past centuries a wall might have been a legal boundary between abutters or delineate individual fields for one land owner.  Today those same stone walls may or may not delineate legal boundary lines of ownership for individual lots of land.  



Even a short length of stone wall or remains of a fence including a solitary post could be important in determining a property line.  



What criteria would a HC use to determine if an ancient stone wall was a boundary wall and what time period ( historic or current ) would qualify it to meet that criteria?  Legally this could be very complicated for the owner, town planning boards and a Commission.  



In my opinion all ancient stone walls especially in New England are important historically and should if at all possible be preserved and protected. 



Thanks for any input and available sources of information, 



Barbara Bailey, Wareham 







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