Thomas Ranck Round Barn, Agricultural round barn in Waterloo Township, Indiana, United States
The Thomas Ranck Round Barn is an agricultural structure with three stacked circular levels forming a tower-like shape. Inside you find storage sections, grain areas, and a hayloft, all accessed from the earthen ramp on the western side.
It was built in 1904 by architect Isaac McNammee as part of an agricultural innovation movement in the Midwest. The structure earned official recognition in 1983 through its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The design reflects an experimental approach that farming families embraced to rethink how they organized their work and stored crops. Visitors can see how this approach shaped the way agricultural buildings were imagined in the early 1900s.
The site is accessible via a clear entrance pathway, making it easy to approach from the main road. Plan to spend time exploring the exterior and surroundings, as the setting is rural and somewhat removed from other attractions.
The roof structure is remarkable for having no interior support columns, achieved through skilled carpentry using thin wooden members. This engineering approach demonstrates an innovative solution that allowed for open interior spaces without obstructions.
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