The Piper Barn: Historic Structure Report, Architectural Data Section, Antietam National Battlefield

Siekkinen, George

The Piper Barn Historic Structure Report includes background information about the structure, proposed uses, current structural problems, and a discussion of the proposed treatment alternatives. The Piper Barn functions as a background building within the historic scene of Antietam National Battlefield. The significance of the barn is primarily derived from its location on the field of the Battle of Antietam, where it and the other buildings of the Piper farmstead were positioned at a strategic point in the midday phase of the 1862 battle. The barn is also significant for its distinctive physical character and great size. It provides a view of local history through the way that its form reflects the cultural origins of early settlers and its changes reflect responses to evolving agricultural technology. The barn is part of the pastoral landscape that existed at the time of the battle, with a history that began before the Civil War and continued after its end. Proposed uses of the barn noted in this report were: (1) agricultural purposes by a permittee farmer, such as storage for hay and machinery and shelter for livestock, or; (2) park staff, for storage of park-related materials and equipment. The first proposed treatment alternative, stabilization, would include initial stabilization work as well as ongoing maintenance to sustain the existing terrain and vegetative cover of the site. This approach would include repair of stone foundations using traditional materials and techniques. The second alternative, restoration, would aim to recover the historic appearance of the site. In this proposed treatment, the existing roof would be replaced with wood shingles and a later dormer alteration would be removed. This treatment alternative also calls for the demolition of addition 3, a part of the structure that was built in 1914. The report address the positive points, negative points, impacts, and implementation actions for each alternative. The recommended treatment is alternative 1, which would preserve the appearance of the barn since 1914 and allow for a wider range of interpretive themes. It also maintains a larger building volume for use by the permittee farmer and park management. The report was prepared at the Williamsport Training Center (WTC), National Capital Team, Denver Service Center. Trainees were responsible for various aspects of the report.

The Piper Barn: Historic Structure Report, Architectural Data Section, Antietam National Battlefield

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