Pioneer Farms
Swedish Silo - 1900
Built between 1900 and 1914, this wooden silo is one of three remaining structures that are original to the Pioneer Farms site. Like dozens of other barrel-shaped silos that once dotted this farming region, it is reported to be only one of two still in existence - and the only one that has been restored and can be seen by the public. For years it was known as the Swedish silo, presumably for the Swedish immigrants that built it.
It is constructed of cypress and pine slats held together by long, veneered bands on the outside that helped maintain its circular shape. Corn and other grains were loaded through access hatched on the sides. It was located next to a milk barn, near where cows were fed.
Grain silos such as this came into vogue after the Civil War, replacing corn cribs and barn lofts as a preferred place for farmers to store their feed grain and silage for animals. While silos in states north of Texas were usually taller, those in this part of country tended to be just one of two stories in height - owing to the longer growing season here. This silo originally had a twin that was located just to the east, marked a circular foundation that is still visible.
Sources: Historic American Farm Buildings, Pioneer Farms Archives.