The Nashold Twenty-Sided Barn offers a unique glimpse into Wisconsin’s agricultural past. Built in 1911, near the end of a short-lived period of circular-barn construction, the Nashold Barn is one of a few well-maintained survivors. Promoted by agricultural researchers at nearby University of Wisconsin-Madison and elsewhere, circular barns were a scientific response to the growing needs of dairying. Builders intended their round shape to reduce construction materials and costs. Circular construction created a more-efficient interior layout because facing cows toward the center silo allowed for easy feeding and waste removal.
Historical barn reflects short era
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The Nashold Twenty-Sided Barn is located in the township of Fountain Prairie in the town of Fall River in Columbia County, Wisconsin. The architect is unknown.
Circular construction created a more-efficient interior layout because facing cows toward the center silo allowed for easy feeding and waste removal.
The earthen ramp leading to the hayloft has a milk house under it, allowing for efficient insulation of milk in both the winter and summer.