Nels Severson Barn

The Nels Severson Barn, also known as "Fort" Severson, is a historic barn located north of Carpenter in rural Mitchell County, Iowa, United States. It is a two-story structure composed of irregularly-cut limestone with a gable roof. Its walls are 18 inches (46 cm) thick. It is one of a few, and possibly the only, stone structure in the area.[2] The barn was built by Norwegian immigrant Nels Severson in 1867. He and his brother Ole were early settlers in this region. Local tradition refers to the building as a fort. Its large size and sturdy construction would protect the white settlers from Indian attacks. It is also said that it was a stop on a stage coach line. While the latter might be true, there is no evidence to corroborate either tradition.[2] The barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Nels Severson Barn
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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Location	North of Carpenter
Coordinates	43°25′21″N 93°0′40″W
Built	1867
NRHP reference No.	77000540[1]
Added to NRHP	July 15, 1977

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
2. W.H. Biedermann. "Nels Severson Barn". National Park Service. Retrieved 2016-05-13. with one photo from 1977