A traditional black Kentucky tobacco barn (2024)

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Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-highsm-14075 (digital file from original)LC-HS503-3270 (color film transparency)
Call Number: LC-HS503- 3270 (ONLINE) [P&P]
Medium: 1 transparency : color ; 4 x 5 in. or smaller

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Call Number: LC-HS503- 3270 (ONLINE) [P&P]
Medium: 1 transparency : color ; 4 x 5 in. or smaller

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A traditional black Kentucky tobacco barn (2024)

FAQs

What are the black barns in Kentucky? ›

Many barns in Kentucky were used to cure tobacco leaves. This process requires heat. Thus, when leaves are stored in the barns, the barns, when painted black or covered in creosote, will trap heat inside the structure, allowing for temperatures necessary to cure the leaves.

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What is the purpose of a tobacco barn? ›

A series of beams in the barn's ceiling allowed the tobacco plants to hang upside down from sticks to dry and to "cure" or preserve the tobacco. Tobacco farmers in the Chesapeake region would have been forced to light fires in the tobacco barns for the curing process if it were a particularly rainy autumn.

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Why are bourbon barns black? ›

The black staining common at some distilleries is not caused by soot but by a sooty mould named Baudoinia compniacensis, also known as the Whisky Fungus. Rickhouses / warehouses will likely see the most significant accumulation of Baudoinia as they are the primary source of ethanol vapour release at a distillery.

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What color are tobacco barns? ›

Black barns raise the heat inside, aiding the curing of tobacco Many got their color from creosote, which repelled termites. Soon many Kentucky barns were painted black just as a fashion statement.

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Why do farmers paint their barns black? ›

The black color raises the heat inside the barn, which is useful during the process of curing tobacco. Much as red paint became traditional for barns in many regions of the country, black paint became traditional in Kentucky.

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Why are fences and barns painted black in Kentucky? ›

In 2014, the state of Kentucky passed an ordinance called Paint it Black. It required that miles of white plank fencing which had been in place since 1978 be painted black in order to lower maintenance costs. Now, the most common color for horse fencing is black.

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What kind of wood is in tobacco barns? ›

Reclaimed tobacco pine wood

Farmers built barns for drying tobacco using pine wood as siding, floor joists, and roof rafters – a unique procedure that gave the pine its richly mixed hue and texture (without the smell). The distinct look of deep, rich brown tones is intertwined with the wood's natural honey tone.

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How big is the average tobacco barn? ›

Tobacco barns built in the 20th century were typically 18 feet by 18 feet and constructed of logs. Because of the increased use of tin, new barns were built with tin roofs and most of the older barn's original cedar roofs were replaced with tin.

Keep Reading ›

Why is tobacco farming bad? ›

Tobacco growing usually involves substantial use of chemicals – including pesticides, fertilizers and growth regulators. These chemicals may affect drinking water sources as a result of run-off from tobacco growing areas.

Learn More Now ›

Why are the trees black in Kentucky? ›

I learned that it is because the trees and warehouses have been tainted by Baudoinia compniacensis, a unique whiskey fungus, found near distilleries. This particular type of black fungus is common near distilleries because it uses ethanol as a source of energy for growth.

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Can it be called bourbon if it's not from Kentucky? ›

There is an old saying that Bourbon must be made in Kentucky, however, this is a common misconception. “Kentucky Bourbon” is only produced in the state, but Bourbon in fact can be made in any of the 50 American states. Once the overall standards for Bourbon are met, it's Bourbon.

Why is it called bourbon in Kentucky? ›

One of these original, huge counties was Bourbon, established in 1785 and named after the French royal family. While this vast county was being carved into many smaller ones, early in the 19th century, many people continued to call the region Old Bourbon.

A traditional black Kentucky tobacco barn (2024)

Related

FAQs

What are the black barns in Kentucky? ›

Can it be called bourbon if it's not from Kentucky? ›