The Barn Complex
John Jay Homestead
Barns are essential to a working farm. The main barn dates to the early 19th century. It was originally used for housing livestock, threshing grain, and storing hay. Sheds were added later to both sides of the barn and used to store tools, farm equipment, and feed. They also housed animals.
A three-stall, draft horse barn built between 1870 and 1885 is visible through the bull’s paddock behind the main barn.
The smaller stone cow barn to the right of the main barn may have been constructed in 1831-32 by John Jay’s son William. Only its foundation and later addition remain. The cow barn saw a variety of uses, the last being a dairy operation in 1922. Silos once added to either end of this barn no longer stand. Beyond the barn is a garage built in 1918.
Marker can be reached from Jay Street (New York Route 22) 0.1 miles south of Beaver Dam Road, on the left when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
