One of the many benefits of taking the slow roads is the opportunity to see fabulous barns of all shapes, sizes and colors. While some are visible from the interstates, the vast majority line the secondary roads that connect county seats, small towns and agricultural centers. Icons of the landscape, these utilitarian structures are often the most significant feature on the horizon set in an unending sea of wheat, corn, hay or barley.

Unfortunately, the future of many historic barns is endangered due to changes in the agricultural economy and farming technologies, prohibitive rehabilitation costs, development pressures, and regulations restricting new uses. In recognition of their historic and cultural significance, the Washington Trust included heritage barns statewide on its 2006 Most Endangered Historic Properties List.

In the fall of 2006, the Trust helped establish a King County Heritage Barn Preservation Program to provide grant funds to stabilize, rehabilitate and restore historic barns and other significant agricultural buildings. In the spring of 2007, the Trust successfully championed passage of the Heritage Barn Preservation Bill (SHB2115) that created a new Heritage Barn Register and provided nearly a half million dollars in matching grant funds to preserve historic barns around the state. Barn owners can now nominate their properties to this new register that commemorates these historically significant resources representing our state’s agricultural, economic and cultural development. Although strictly honorary in nature with no protections offered or regulations imposed, listing on the register makes them eligible for grant funding.

While many heritage barns continue to serve their original purpose of storing hay or sheltering animals, others have been converted to new uses that bring new life and vitality to rural communities. The non-profit Uniontown Community Development Association rehabilitated the historic Dahmen Barn (Tour 4b) to provide local artists and crafts people working studio space along with the opportunity to showcase their work to the public. Artisans at the Dahmen Barn recently celebrated the first anniversary of its grand opening on October 1, 2006. Even before its conversion to an arts facility, the Barn was famous for owner Steve Dahmen’s 50-year art project – the welded wagon wheel fence that surrounds the property.

This fall, take in the change of seasons by taking a trip on the slow roads and then come back and tell us about the great barns you’ve seen along the way!