Arcadia Round Barn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arcadia Round Barn
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Location | 107 Highway 66 Arcadia, Oklahoma |
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| Built | 1898 |
| Built by | William H. Odor |
| MPS | Route 66 in Oklahoma MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001094 |
| Added to NRHP | 1977 |
The Arcadia Round Barn is a famous building and a fun place to visit in Arcadia, Oklahoma. It stands right on historic U.S. Route 66, a very old and well-known road in the United States. A local farmer named William Harrison Odor built this unique barn way back in 1898. He used a clever method to make its round shape.
The Amazing Arcadia Round Barn
This barn is truly special because it's completely round! Unlike many barns that are square or have many sides, the Arcadia Round Barn is a perfect circle. It's known as America's only "truly round" barn. People from all over the world come to see its interesting design.
How It Was Built
The Arcadia Round Barn was built in 1898 by William Harrison Odor. He was a local farmer with a clever idea. To make the round walls and roof, he used fresh, green wood from bur oak trees. He soaked the wood to make it soft and bendy. Then, he carefully bent the boards into the curves needed for the barn's shape.
The barn has two levels. The bottom floor was used for farm work. The upper floor was a big open space. It was used as a gathering place for the community. People would meet there for dances, parties, and other events.
A Landmark on Route 66
In the early 1900s, the town of Arcadia grew. This happened when the railroad came through. Later, in the 1920s, a famous road called U.S. Route 66 was built. It passed right next to the Round Barn.
As more cars traveled on Route 66, the barn became very popular. It was a unique sight along the highway. Many people stopped to take pictures. Over time, it became one of the most photographed landmarks on the entire route.
Saving the Barn
After many years, fewer people traveled on Route 66. This was because a new highway, the Interstate, was built. As a result, Arcadia and the barn became less busy.
In 1988, a sad thing happened: the barn's 60-foot-wide roof collapsed. It looked like the end for the old barn. But a group of dedicated volunteers stepped in to help. Led by Luther Robison, they worked hard to rebuild the structure. Their amazing restoration work was finished in 1992.
Today, the Arcadia Round Barn is a popular tourist spot once again. Visitors can explore its unique architecture. They can also learn about its history and the people who saved it. It stands as a symbol of American ingenuity and community spirit.
