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Old Gothic Barns
Site of the Old Gothic Barns.jpg
Site of the barns
Old Gothic Barns is located in Ohio
Old Gothic Barns
Location in Ohio
Old Gothic Barns is located in the United States
Old Gothic Barns
Location in the United States
Location 6058 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio
Area Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built 1840
Architectural style Gothic Revival
NRHP reference No. 76001438
Added to NRHP July 20, 1976

The Old Gothic Barns were two old farm buildings near Cincinnati, Ohio, in the Green Township area. They were built a long time ago, around the 1840s. People thought they were very special because of their unique design. This led to them being recognized as a historic site in the 1970s.

What Made Them Special?

The Old Gothic Barns were built in a style called Carpenter Gothic. This style uses elements from grand Gothic Revival buildings, but for simpler wooden structures like barns. It was very unusual to see this style on a farm building in Ohio.

Unique Design Features

The barns had a very tall and pointed look. This was because of their sharply pitched roofs. Other features made them look even taller. These included:

  • Vertical wooden boards called batten.
  • A small tower on the roof called a cupola with a pointed top, or spire.
  • Tall, pointed windows and doors, known as Lancet windows.
  • Decorative supports called brackets under the roof's edge.

All these details gave the barns a strong Gothic Revival feel. They were two stories tall and had an attic space. Their roofs were covered with shingles.

The Barns' History

A farmer named William Bell was one of the first people to settle in Green Township. He owned a lot of land along what is now Colerain Avenue. Towards the end of his life, he decided to build these two unique barns.

When Were They Built?

Experts believe the barns were built between 1840 and 1850. It is known that William Bell arranged for their construction before he passed away in 1847. Even though the exact date is not known, the barns were clearly important for their architecture.

Becoming a Historic Site

By the 1970s, people realized how special these barns were. In 1976, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This meant their design was considered important for the entire state of Ohio.

Where Are They Now?

Sadly, the Old Gothic Barns are no longer standing today. By the early 2010s, they had been taken down. Restaurants now stand where these historic barns once were, at 6058 Colerain Avenue.

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