Many have speculated that fire suppression and the subsequent woody encroachment have contributed to the demise of the barrens. Prescribed fire is becoming a common tool for barrens reconstruction; however, information on presettlement fire frequencies in xeric forests is limited. In an attempt to document presettlement and postsettlement fire frequencies of these xeric communities, this study was initiated. Four study sites, which had been logged recently, were selected from the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois. Trees were examined for age and evidence of fire scars. A total of 299 trees were examined. No trees examined dated to presettlement times. Fire frequency was greatest 60 to 80 years ago with few fires occurring in the past 50 years. It appears that reduction in fire frequency has contributed to the recent increase of woody species coverage and the consequent reduction in the herbaceous component of the barrens.