Bank Barn

A Bank Barn, also known as a bank barn, barn bank, or hillside barn, is a style of barn built into the side of a hill or bank, allowing access to two different levels from the ground. This architectural feature typically provides for livestock housing on the lower level, often with a ramp or earthen bank leading to an upper level used for hay storage, threshing, or other agricultural activities.

The primary advantage of the bank barn design is the efficient use of space and gravity. By utilizing a natural slope, farmers could more easily load and unload heavy materials like hay and grain into the upper level. The lower level provided a sheltered and often warmer environment for livestock during the winter months.

Bank barns are commonly found in areas with rolling terrain, particularly in the Appalachian region of the United States, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and parts of New York. Their construction often reflects regional building materials and vernacular architectural styles. They represent a significant component of agricultural heritage and landscape.