Round Barn, Laurens County

I was so excited to receive this image from David Frey of an historic round barn in Laurens County; he was gracious enough to let me share it. He made the photograph in 1974, noting that it was a landmark to travelers between Dublin and Wrightsville in those days; the barn is still standing but no longer accessible to the public. As a result, I’m unable to share an exact location. This example is of the octagonal variety and though I have no idea as to a date, my best estimate would be 1900-1910.

A brief review of available references on the subject suggests this may be one of only two surviving round barns in Georgia; the other is the 14-sided Williamson Dairy barn in Jackson County. Another 14-sided example, the Dorough Round Barn at Hickory Level in Carroll County is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is apparently in ruins or no longer extant.

10 thoughts on “Round Barn, Laurens County”

Kathy Blankinship March 28, 2019 at 3:02 AM

Beautiful barn although it’s probably not in this condition any longer. Thanks for sharing photo of this unique structure.

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Nancy Prothero March 28, 2018 at 9:32 PM

we have a picture but don’t know how to share.There are other buildings of significance in Apple Valley(jackson county )Ga.

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1. Brian Brown Post authorMarch 31, 2018 at 4:34 PM
  
  Thank you for the information, Nancy (and Jim)! I don’t know why you can’t share it here, but you can email it to wbrianbrown@gmail.com
  
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Nancy December 1, 2017 at 10:51 PM

I believe I know where this is located. I will check it out this weekend. If it’s the same one it has dilapidated a lot since this picture was taken.. Wish someone would have taken care of this Round Barn.

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1. Jim Prothero March 27, 2018 at 8:58 PM
  
  There is a round barn in Apple Valley on hwy 15 between Jefferson and Commerce Georgia.
  
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Alice DeForest December 1, 2017 at 8:07 PM

Interesting..thanks for posting

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Wendell Theus November 30, 2017 at 11:23 PM

HI BRIAN, I SEE WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE ROUND BARN. NOW THAT IS A REAL PIECE OF CRAFTMANSHIP FOR THE TIME AND THERE TOOL SUPPLY!!! WOULD BE FAIRLY DIFFICULT TO TRY AND REPLICATE TODAY!! HOPE THEY TAKE GOOD CARE OF–THESE TYPE STRUCTURES ARE DISAPPEARING WAY TOO FAST.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
WENDELL

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vanne hanisch-godo November 30, 2017 at 8:42 PM

something about this picture I really like!!

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Raleighwood Dawg November 30, 2017 at 8:15 PM

That’s a beauty! Is the round/octagon shape for functionality or aesthetics? Would love to know more. Thanks for posting, Brian.

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1. Brian Brown Post authorNovember 30, 2017 at 8:39 PM
  
  What I’ve read suggests they were a result of a growing focus on efficiency in the mid-19th century…greater volume to surface ratio and cheaper to build. True “round” barns are rare but Indiana has quite a few. The Shakers also built them. Most other examples are less realized and come in multiple polygonal forms. 8-, 12-, 14-, even 18-sided.
  
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