"Built in 1870, the barn is the sole surviving structure from the Goodnight Rock Canon Ranch, the northern headquarters for the Goodnight-Loving cattle trail that extended from Texas to Colorado. In 1864, the Goodnight-Loving Trail was the most heavily traveled trail of the time in the southwest. This ground-breaking cattle drive helped to develop Colorado’s ranching industry. Goodnight himself is known for his innovations in cattle ranching and breeding, and even been credited with the invention of the chuck wagon. The Goodnight Barn was constructed from sandstone quarried from a nearby canyon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2002, the barn was in danger of being relocated to the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas. Once listed on the Most Endangered Places, Colorado Preservation, Inc. secured support from U.S. Representative Scott McInnis to keep the barn in Colorado. An agreement was reached with then owner Transit Mix, to relocate their operation away from the site. Funding was secured from several sources, including the State Historical Fund, for the City of Pueblo to purchase the barn and two adjoining acres and to conduct an assessment of the building’s condition in 2004. An Architectural and Historical Archaeology Assessment was also completed in December 2006. Additional funding was granted by Scenic Byways to study an interpretive roadside pull-off for the site. An informational sign was placed to educate visitors on the importance of the site. The next step is rehabilitating the barn for future use as a possible interpretive site on a riparian trail along the Arkansas River. Restoration steps include replacing the temporary roofing, restoring the cupola, replacing the severely damaged masonry (possibly from the same quarry as the original stone), and deciding whether to repair or tear down the 1940s addition.
A collaborative effort between local governments, nonprofit organizations, Colorado Preservation, Inc. and dedicated citizens created the Goodnight Barn Stakeholders group, which meets to discuss future plans for the building and fundraising efforts. The $42,000 stabilization project will begin in the fall of 2014.
The Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation Committee is continuously planning fundraisers for the building. The next event will be held on September 13, 2014, which will include events for the entire family, traditional cattle activities, chuck wagon dinner, trick roping, a wild west show, a western art and jewelry live auction and much more. Check the Goodnight Barn Facebook page for the latest information (
visit link) . " (from (
visit link) )
Also see (
visit link) .
"The Goodnight Barn is constructed of limestone blocks which now show
some discoloration. The blocks are rough cut, natural texture with mortar filled in to give the appearance of a more finely cut stone. The roof is a medium gable and has roofing material of corrugated metal. A pigeon tower is affixed to the ridge line at midpoint.
The doors are all made of heavy planking, the loft doors in a diagonal plain design, the other doors in a vertical plain design. The doors are flat shaped with large stone lintels. The loft doors are an exception, being semicircular in shape with radiating stone
voussoirs and keystones.
Along one side and end facade tie bars were put in to stabilize the
masonry. Livestock entry doors on the same facade were boarded up and
are no longer in use."
The NRHP Form may be found at (
visit link) .