National Register Listing

Leedy, Bert, Round Barn

a.k.a. Paxton Round Barn;Fulton County Historical Society Round Bar

Jct. of Co. Rd. 375N and US 31, SW side, Rochester, IN
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

agriculture architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.
The first European settlement in Indiana was established by the French in 1732 at Vincennes, in the southwestern part of the state.
Indiana random facts
Fulton County, located in the state of Indiana, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Miami and Potawatomi. European settlement began in the 1830s with the arrival of pioneers, who established the first permanent settlements in the region.

In 1840, Fulton County was officially established, named after Robert Fulton, an American engineer and inventor. The county's economy initially relied on agriculture, with small farms producing crops like corn, wheat, and livestock. As the population grew, new industries emerged, including sawmills, gristmills, and a thriving lumber industry.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further economic growth to Fulton County. With improved transportation links, the county became a hub for shipping agricultural products to other parts of Indiana and beyond. The railroad also facilitated the growth of new businesses, such as manufacturing and retail.

Over the years, Fulton County has experienced its share of challenges and changes. Like many parts of rural America, the county faced the impact of the Great Depression in the 1930s, which led to economic hardship for many residents. However, the local community remained resilient, and the county gradually recovered.

Today, Fulton County continues to be a primarily rural area, with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's economy has diversified, with a range of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Fulton County also prides itself on its natural beauty, with numerous lakes and outdoor recreational opportunities attracting visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fulton County, Indiana.

  • Fulton County was organized in 1836.
  • In 1838, Rochester was established as the county seat.
  • During the mid-19th century, agriculture and farming were the main economic activities in the county.
  • In 1871, the Lake Erie and Western Railroad was completed, improving transportation in the area.
  • In the late 1800s, coal mining became a significant industry in Fulton County.
  • In 1937, Lake Manitou, a popular recreational lake, was drained due to concerns about its dam's structural integrity.
  • On April 3, 1974, an F4 tornado swept through Rochester and other parts of the county, causing significant damage and loss of lives.
  • Since the late 20th century, tourism and manufacturing have emerged as essential sectors in Fulton County's economy.