Starke Round Barn
The Starke Barn was built in 1902-1903 by the four Starke Brothers, Conrad, Ernest, Bill and Chris, who came to Nebraska from Milwaukee. The massive structure measures 130 feet in diameter. The center silo has a diameter of 28 feet and a height of 65 feet. The barn itself is three stories tall, the bottom level for animals, the second for machinery and the third (or loft) for hay.
The construction method combines balloon framing and heavy timber supports. The massive 12X12 timbers are held together by balanced tensions and stress rather than by nails or pegs.
The Starke Round Barn is the state’s largest and one of the largest in the nation. This extraordinary barn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1972.