Nels Severson Barn

Coordinates: 43°25′21″N 93°0′40″W / 43.42250°N 93.01111°W / 43.42250; -93.01111
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Nels Severson Barn
Nels Severson Barn is located in Iowa
Nels Severson Barn
Nels Severson Barn is located in the United States
Nels Severson Barn
LocationNorth of Carpenter
Coordinates43°25′21″N 93°0′40″W / 43.42250°N 93.01111°W / 43.42250; -93.01111
Built1867
NRHP reference No.77000540[1]
Added to NRHPJuly 15, 1977

The Nels Severson Barn, also known as "Fort" Severson, is a historic barn located north of Carpenter in rural Mitchell County, Iowa, United States. It is a two-story structure composed of irregularly-cut limestone with a gable roof. Its walls are 18 inches (46 cm) thick. It is one of a few, and possibly the only, stone structure in the area.[2] The barn was built by Norwegian immigrant Nels Severson in 1867. He and his brother Ole were early settlers in this region. Local tradition refers to the building as a fort. Its large size and sturdy construction would protect the white settlers from Indian attacks. It is also said that it was a stop on a stage coach line. While the latter might be true, there is no evidence to corroborate either tradition.[2] The barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. ^ a b W.H. Biedermann. "Nels Severson Barn". National Park Service. Retrieved 2016-05-13. with one photo from 1977