Pete French Round Barn
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May 2005: A visit to the Pete French Round Barn |
You may not think something as straight forward as a round barn is particularly noteworthy. But on closer inspection, the Pete French Round Barn yields a unique cathedral-like power and ambiance. |
Build around the year 1880, the round bard was used by cattle baron Pete French as a "horse-breaking" facility. When one considers the landscape and time period, the barn can truly be admired as engineering accomplishment wrought by a determined spirit. |
An inner brick wall helps support a impressive structure of Juniper logs and other timbers hauled from dozens of miles away. |
The old wood and stone tells the story of past era. |
The barn was actively used until the late 1960s, when the most recent owners, the Jenkins family, donated it to the state of Oregon for preservation as an historical landmark. |
Where is it? The Pete French Round Barn is located in south eastern Oregon, near the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. The nearest modestly sized town is Burns (pop ~2,000), nearly 60 miles away. |
Before you go... Be sure to stop in the visitor's center, and say hello to the nice folks inside! |