Historic Barn Information

Summer view of the 1882 limestone barn.

NPS Photo

The massive barn of the Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch stands as an impressive example of form following function. Completed in 1882, the barn stands as the working center of the ranch. Its multiple functions of hay, grain, farm equipment storage, and animal keeping have given it a beautiful working form that has stood up beautifully to many decades of use and varied activity.

 

Introduction

Costing approximately $15,000 to construct, the large limestone barn is the focal point of the ranch’s cattle activities. The barn remains one of the largest historic limestone barns in Kansas, 60 feet wide by 110 feet long, containing approximately 19,000 square feet of floor space over three floors. The lower floor was set up as stables for cattle and horses. The main floor stored loose hay, wagons, and other equipment. The upper floor was used for hay and grain storage and was large enough to accommodate entire teams of horses and wagons. These wagons entered the upper floor by driving up one ramp and could exit by driving out either ramp. A large 2-head, 30-foot diameter windmill was at one time attached to the barn and could generate up to 12 horsepower to grind grain and drive other equipment. However, high Kansas winds threatened to tear it down, forcing Stephen to permanently dismantle it in 1884. An artist’s rendering of the Spring Hill Ranch done in 1887, draws the windmill back into its original place between the two upper level ramps.

 

Barn interior showing green auger and portion of the steel I-beams.

NPS Photo

Main Floor

The main floor of the barn was used to store wagons, harnesses, and other equipment and vehicles useful on the Spring Hill Ranch. In the 1940s, the barn was modified to accommodate modern uses. On the western side of the barn, a large auger and grain dump were installed to move grain and feed into four 1000 bushel bins on the upper floor. On the eastern side, steel I-beams were installed to strengthen and support the upper floor and these new storage bins. Smaller augers were installed to move grain into feed trucks that would back into the barn through the eastern door. The flooring of the main floor was also strengthened to support these heavier vehicles.

 

Lower Floor

The lower floor of the barn was a stable area and could accommodate horses, cattle, and other livestock.