The Vermont Barn is one of the most readily identified manmade objects on the Vermont landscape. It is symbolic and representative of Vermonts heritage as an agricultural based economy. For the earliest settlers in Vermont, the barn was the most important structure to be built. In most cases, the first generation barn far eclipsed the residential structure in terms of quality. Indeed, it was necessary for the storage of feed for the animals as well as their housing.
As agricultural practices changed, so changed the needs and designs of the barns. Alternative practices led to such designs as the round barn. All the while, the Vermont barn served as the anchor for all that took place on the farm. Over the last 200 years, the uses of the barns have ranged from continuance of agricultural practices, to equestrian gentleman farm needs to a general catch all for the owner.
The state of Vermont has fully recognized the importance of preserving the natural landscape and has also understood the necessity of preserving the barn as a symbol of our heritage. All people coming to visit as well as those of us living here have come to expect the barn as a vital element of our pristine landscape. As such, in 1992, the state of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development established the Barn Grant. This program is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of hundeds of barns throughout the state. Assuring the future of our favorite icon.
Posted by Wade I. Treadway