John S. and Elizabeth Beem Holmes Barn

The John S. and Elizabeth Beem Holmes Barn, located on a historic farm southwest of St. Charles, Iowa, is a remarkable example of vernacular limestone architecture. Established in 1854 by the Holmes family, who expanded their farm from 40 to 350 acres, the barn showcases large blocks of locally quarried stone and stands 1½ stories tall, equivalent to a three-story building. Despite an unsuccessful preservation attempt with stucco, the barn remains a significant landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, making it an interesting site for tourists and researchers alike.