Restoration

Only a handful of round barns survive today, and so few remain that they are considered “an endangered species” registered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Most round barns were built between 1900 and 1920, primarily in the Northeast and then the Midwest. The Shakers, who built the first round barn, believed the circle to be the most perfect shape (the devil couldn’t trap you in the corner)

Why round barn gave greater volume-to-surface ratio, and thus used fewer materials, claimed advocates.  Structural supports inside the building were not needed, leaving more open spaces without posts, and providing more storage. Built on a stone or concrete foundation, the silo would be located in the center of the building, with animal stanchions around it, thus making feeding much easier.

Round barns did not make it because they were difficult to build and maintain.  The wooden strips used for the siding would easily spring away from the frame.  They were difficult to light and ventilate.  The claims for efficiency were overstated.  The center silo could be hard to fill and, though feeding might be easier, removing manure was more difficult.  Although it might be harder for the devil or rats to hide in a round barn, it was also more difficult to fence in escaped animals with no corners to trap them.