Star Barn
Dauphin Co. | Pennsylvania | USA
Watersource: n/a
Star Barn
From the Harrisburg east exit of the Penna. Turnpike, take Sh 283 east towards Lancaster. In about 0.2 miles, the barn can be seen on the south side of the highway. To get to the barn, continue on Sh 283, take the next exit for Sr 3032/Harrisburg Airport. Take exit, the ramp splits, keep to the right and turn right on Spring Garden Drive. Head west on Spring Garden Road and in 0.5 miles turn right on Nissley Drive, continue to the barn complex.
The "Star Barn" may be one of the most photographed and painted barns in the United States. It is intriguingly designed, especially with the large five pointed statrs on either gable end.
The stars on the barn signified a renewed hope in American agriculture and economy following the destruction and losses suffered by the Civil War. The barn being built in 1872, weathered well the slings and arrows of the elements until about the last quarter century.
The pig barn in the lower corner of the barnyard, fnced in with a limestone wall, long the practice on SE Pennsylvania farmsteads.
The corn crib/carriage house is pictured in this photo. The main barn structure is 67' X 105' X 65' high to the cupola.
The farmhouse for the barn complex. Starting in 2007, plans were in place to renovate the barn and its ancillary structures into an Agriculture Education and Exhibition Center. Also on tap are plans to use the barn as The Star Barn Rural Art Gallery and Museum. This will be all done at a new location, near Grantville, Pa. but in Lebanon Co. The barn and its accompaning builds will all be taken down piece by piece, numbered and be rebuilt at the new, larger acreage location.