Iowa's Maasdam Barns Are A Timeless Part Of Hawkeye State History
By Kim Magaraci|Published July 12, 2020
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowa’s agricultural history is fascinating to explore, and one historic farm district showcases it in the coolest way. You can tour the Maasdam Barns and Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm historic district to see barns and structures that date back over a century.
Fairfield, Iowa is a small agricultural town that's famous for being home to the Maasden Barns and Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm.
Throughout the years, Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm bough and sold a variety of draft horses, including Belgians. These horses were bred to be strong and stocky, and to work fields.
Today, most modern draft horses, like the Percheron below, are lighter and used for sport, rather than field work. However, they still have the strength, independence, and work ethic of their ancestors.
The barns in the Evergreen historic district date back to 1906 and 1910, making them some of the oldest and best preserved buildings in the Hawkeye State.
The Maasdam Barns Preservation Committee was formed in 2005, and in 2011, a Museum & Visitor Center opened in 2011. You can visit to see photos, artifacts and displays telling the story of the Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm Historic District.
In the early 1900's, the Turney Family in Fairfield owned a wagon company called Charter Oak Wagons. When you tour the Maasdam Barns, you'll be able to see an authentic Charter Oak for yourself!
Plan a visit to the Maasdam Barns and you'll discover a part of Iowa history that's often overlooked. J.G. Maasdam and his Percherons had a lasting effect on the equine world and agricultural world from right here in small town Iowa.
