Joseph Farwell Glidden's invention of one of the most widely-used types of barbed wire in 1873 helped change the history of the American West and had far-reaching impact throughout the world. His Homestead in DeKalb, IL, is being preserved and restored by a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995. Both the home and the barn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We welcome your visit and encourage your membership!
The Glidden red-brick barn quietly nestled on the Homestead site behind bustling business properties is one of the most historically significant barns in the country, according to architectural preservationist Roger Keys. It is the site where Joseph Glidden invented and initially manufactured the first practical barbed wire that became known as “The Winner.” After the house was built around 1861, Glidden constructed a rather unusual barn made totally of brick. Glidden's first barbed wire manufacturing office was located in the southeast corner of the barn.
The Glidden barn is also significant as one of the oldest barns left standing in DeKalb County. It's architecture reflects the German tradition and is built of local bricks with transverse frame and post-and-beam construction. The foundation is made of locally quarried limestone. There were fourteen eight-paned double-hung windows and seven single-pane windows for luxurious livestock lodging. Originally, there were two large arched entrances, seven stalls, a large haymow, gable, hayhood, and a dirt or wooden plank floor.
The Glidden barn has remained solid throughout its years of usage for livestock, horses, barbed wire manufacture, and storage. It provides us with a priceless link to our past and evokes images of our agricultural roots and the pioneer spirit upon which our communities are based today.
Once restored, the barn will be used as exhibit space and opened to the public. Until then, it remains closed except on season opening day in May. Donations toward the restoration fund are welcomed.
In the beginning the efforts of the Homestead organization were directed at stabilizing and protecting the structure against the elements and vandalism. For these efforts in excess of $40,000 was raised from private funding to which was added to approximately $15,000 in grants from the State of Illinois. These funds provided for tuckpointing the barn and securing its windows and doors. Funding for restoration of the inside is part of a capital campaign in planning.
During the annual Open House/Open Barn in May, architectural preservationist Roger Keys, who has done much volunteer work himself on both the home and barn, is on hand to talk about the construction of the barn and its historic significance. Each spring, many visitors take advantage of the once-a-year opportunity to see the inside of the barn where Joseph Glidden first manufactured what became the most widely used type of barbed wire in the nation.
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