Cantilever Barn

Artist: Gary L. Suddath
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Cantilever Barn

The Cantilever Barn on the Tipton Place in Cades Cove, is characteristic of the southern highlands, found principally in two East Tennessee counties, Sevier and Blount. Their characteristic feature is an overhang, or cantilever, Lofts were originally used for storing hay, loaded conveniently from wagons pulled into the driveway between the cribs. Cribs were livestock pens, while the sheltered area under the overhanging loft provided space for storing equipment and grooming animals. Accommodations for seed corn, feed, livestock, and equipment were basic needs. The unusual design may derive from German forebay barns in Pennsylvania, built into the hillside with an overhang along the out-facing side. Pioneer blockhouses in East Tennessee and elsewhere had modest overhangs on all four sides of the upper story, and these may have inspired the shape of later barns. A rainy mountain climate with high humidity for much of the year makes protection from damp a continuing challenge, which this design meets nicely. Rain falling on a cantilever barn’s roof drips off the eaves at a distance well removed from the supporting cribs; the overhang protects both structure and livestock, while the space between the cribs works with the continuous vents in the upper loft walls to encourage air circulation, drying the loft’s contents. This barn was built in 1968 to replace the original barn on the Tipton place.

Cantilever Barn belongs to the following groups:

Dilapidated Buildings

Mar Silva, 4 months ago

I think this is a great capture. The history is interesting. Thanks for sharing :)
whisperingruth, 4 months ago

What an AWESOME historical building…...............beautiful job on this one Gary!
Gary L. Suddath in reply to Mar Silva’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks Mar it is appreciated
Gary L. Suddath in reply to whisperingruth’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks Ruth it is appreciated
Wanda Faircloth, 4 months ago

I always wondered about these barns.Now it makes perfect sense.I love this in black & white,great capture.
Gary L. Suddath in reply to Wanda Faircloth’s comment, 4 months ago

many thanks see ya soon Wanda
elfevans, 4 months ago

Excellent image and description of this unique style of architecture…fine work, again!
Gary L. Suddath, 4 months ago

many thanks Elf
jlynn, 4 months ago

Excellent:)
Gary L. Suddath in reply to jlynn’s comment, 4 months ago

many thanks jlynn
Seth Weaver, 4 months ago

I always love your Smoky Mountain barns and homesteads Gary. You always do an awesome job!
Gary L. Suddath, 4 months ago

many thanks Seth
Rosina Lamberti, 4 months ago

Lovely moment in capture!
J.K. York, 4 months ago

that is one of the most unique barns i’ve ever seen. when i was in Missouri that had round barns and i though they were cool, but this is sublime! great find and capture Gary. Sorry I won’t be able to make it to the gathering as I’ve got to visit my grandmother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. family first my friend. take care.
Gary L. Suddath in reply to J.K. York’s comment, 4 months ago

Sorry to hear bout your grandmother J.K…....These barns are mostly just found along the Appalachian states with 2 counties in East Tennessee having most of them.
Gary L. Suddath in reply to Rosina Lamberti’s comment, 4 months ago

thanks a lot Rosina
Krys Bailey, 4 months ago

What an amazing barn, Gary! Thanks for explaining why it is this unique and efficient shape. Love the sepia to make this look as old as it really is!
Gary L. Suddath in reply to Krys Bailey’s comment, 4 months ago

thanks for the wonderful comment Krys lookin forward to viewing more of your work
shotzbyjay, 4 months ago

Very nice, Gary! Can’t wait to see it again in person!
Gary L. Suddath in reply to shotzbyjay’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks Jay between the lighting and tourist here I have a hard time shooting this place
KBSImages, 4 months ago

I wish the photo I have of this barn was as good as yours!!! LOL You really did a fantastic job with this!!!
Gary L. Suddath in reply to KBSImages’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks Kim I’ve shot it many times to get this one,the lighting is usually bad there or theys bunches of people
budrfli, 4 months ago

oh, so neat, i have seen only one of these, glad to see one with the history and a shot worth viewing!
excellent!
Gary L. Suddath in reply to budrfli’s comment, 3 months ago

many thanks budrfli,the historical part intrests me so i try to pass my knowledge own.
Lisa G. Putman, 3 months ago

Awesome Gary! I love this one in B&W against those amazing clouds. Great comp with the leading path. This barn facinates me.
kim Davitt, 3 months ago

wow at first glance it looks like its top heavy and likely to topple

great history detail.
Helen Bascom, 3 months ago

Unusual and very cool