Barns and Agricultural Historic Structures

Everyone loves a barn. They remind us that most of our ancestors were farmers who lived and loved the land. Washington County, Maryland has a wonderful assortment of barns in stone, log, brick, clapboard and a combination of building materials. Enjoy!

 

The Barn at Springfield Farm, Williamsport, MD.  Today this barn is owned by the town of Williamsport and used for public and private events. The lower level is the town museum opened on weekends by volunteers.

The Barn at Springfield Farm, Williamsport, MD. Today this barn is owned by the town of Williamsport and used for public and private events. The lower level is the town museum open to visitors on weekends.

From the highway, the handsomely decorative brick Swisser barn circa 1895 – the old farmstead is crumbling from demolition by neglect. Vilified as a ‘security issue,’ and maligned as ‘an impediment to eligible airport development,’ this farm is owned by the government and citizens of Washington County.

From the highway, the handsomely decorative brick Swisser barn circa 1895 – the old farmstead is crumbling from demolition by neglect. Vilified as a ‘security issue,’ and maligned as ‘an impediment to eligible airport development,’ this farm is owned by the government and citizens of Washington County. Listed as one of the Most Endangered Historic Properties in Maryland [2013 list] the old farm is seeking an adaptive reuse plan.

The stone smokehouse on Greystone Manor near Hagerstown. Smokehouses have no windows.

The stone smokehouse on Greystone Manor near Hagerstown. Notice the large quoined stones at the corners of the structure. Smokehouses do not have windows.