The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn Repair Story

The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn, located in McCordsville, Indiana, stands as the largest round barn in the state and a testament to the rich agricultural heritage of the region. Built in 1900, the barn has been a central part of the Kingen family's farming operations for over a century. In 2020, however, a powerful tornado struck the barn, causing significant damage. Thanks to expert restoration efforts, this iconic structure has been saved and reinforced for future generations.

A Historical Monument

The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn is more than just a farm building; it is a monument to Indiana’s agricultural past. Built by the Kingen family’s ancestors, the barn originally housed cattle, hogs, and hay, serving the farming needs of the time. It stood as a symbol of resilience, with the same family farming the land for over five generations. By 2020, the barn had become a historical landmark, retaining its original charm while bearing the marks of its many years of use.

Tornado Damage and the Need for Restoration

In 2020, the barn was hit by a tornado that caused extensive damage. While the roof was torn apart, windows shattered, and walls flared outward, the structure remained standing. The Kingen family quickly realized that if the barn was to survive, immediate restoration was necessary. They enlisted the help of the Indiana Barn Foundation and Rick Collins, a renowned expert in timber-frame restoration, to undertake the massive repair project.

The Restoration Process

Rick Collins and his team approached the project with care, focusing on both preserving the barn’s historical integrity and adding reinforcements to ensure it could withstand future storms. Modern materials like LVLs (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and Chevron bracing were added to the barn’s structure to stabilize it. A new foundation pad and shear walls were also incorporated, providing a more robust base for the barn to sit on. The restoration efforts were designed not only to repair the damage but also to extend the barn’s lifespan.

Preserving Family Legacy

For the Kingen family, the restoration of the barn was deeply personal. The barn represents more than just a building—it is a link to their family’s past. The restoration allowed the family to preserve a piece of their heritage, ensuring that the barn will continue to be a part of their story for years to come. The barn is now a symbol of resilience, not just for the family but for the entire Indiana farming community.

The Littleton-Kingen Round Barn is a vital piece of Indiana’s farming history, and its restoration highlights the importance of preserving historic structures. Thanks to the efforts of Rick Collins and his team, this round barn will continue to stand as a monument to the past, while also serving future generations. The project serves as a reminder of the value of heritage and the importance of maintaining connections to the past, even in the face of natural disasters.