The Largest Barn in Kansas

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Nestled among the tall Oaks and Maples and Pines that guard the Whitewater River, well-hidden from view, protected from progress, far off-the-beaten-path on an old dirt farm road that angels would fear to traverse is the one remaining testament (out of three massive barns that once stood here), the one remaining tribute to the unflinching determination of the pioneer spirit of the old west.

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Built in the late 1800s by a world-renowned horse breeder, this barn had stadium seating and electric lights (it was one of the first buildings in Kansas to have electric lights).  The two story structure even has its own elevator big enough to carry an entire wagon up to the second level.

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Even after a hundred years of harsh Kansas weather, rains, floods, ice storms, tornadic winds, this ruggedly built pioneer structure still stands look over the Whitewater falls (a magical place with tall Oaks rising up to the sky and reaching over as if to protect the river below, creating a canope of foliage). 

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As I stand there on the old stone bridge above the falls with the early morning light cutting through these leaves, illuminating them, creating a wondrous natural glow, the shafts of light sparkle off the rippling waters below.  It truly is a breathtaking scene, standing there with time seemingly slowing to a halt, while looking at this little piece of heaven on Earth.

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Located a few miles northwest of the little town of Towanda on the edge of what was considered Indian Territory back in the late 1800s, these barns were the home to hundreds of award-winning horses that buyers came from all over the world to purchase once a year, filling the stadium seating and buying over $50,000 worth of horses in less than 5 hours.  Converting these dollars (taking into account one hundred years of inflation), this would have amounted to millions of dollars in horses being sold in a matter of hours.

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Buyers came from England and Japan, arriving by train in Towanda and being escorted by carriage out to the Whitewater Stables.  Old tin-type photos depict an image of well-dressed men in derby hats filling the stands and bidding on the horses as they were auctioned off.

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It's both amazing and inspiring that this occurred in a place that even today is hardly a dot on the map.

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Join Us Backstage With Our Featured Members  >

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Roadside Attractions  >

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Old Steeple Church,
Still a Symbol of Hope  >

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<  Return to My Guide to the Backroads of America

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