Round Barn

The round barn is an idiosyncratic and unusual type that was a product of agricultural reform movements. Round barn advocates believed that the round shape not only saved on construction costs, but also offered a more efficient space for animal husbandry than did the traditional right-angle construction.

Their enthusiasm did not turn out to be widely shared; construction was difficult, and the round plan was impractical for such daily necessities as manure removal. The few remaining round barns have become beloved landmarks in the localities they survive. They are scattered throughout the state. Many are actually octagonal rather than round.

An image of the Neff round barn which can be found in Centre County
Neff Round Barn, Centre County, c. 1910