A classic “See Rock City Barn” on State Highway 68 in Crossville has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Co-Owner Andrew Hackett said the slogan “See Rock City” was painted on the barn in 1959 by a man named Clark Byers. Byers was contracted to paint over 900 barns across several states to advertise Rock City Gardens. Hackett said people all over the country come to visit the barn, as a majority of the barns are disappearing due to the Highway Beautification Act that was signed into law in 1965.
“Once a barn is destroyed, or falls down, or is no longer in use, or gets taken apart, by law they are not allowed to be put back up,” Hackett said. “So these barns are gonna continue to disappear, and so people are gonna say hey, we want to see these and we want to try and preserve them as much as possible.”
Hackett said his grandparents, Albert and Elsie Buhaly, had purchased the barn and the land in 1979 after falling in love with the barn. Hackett said getting the barn on the National Register of Historic Places was his attempt to not only preserve the barn but also honor his grandparents.
“They were a big part of my life and a big part of my children’s lives,” Hackett said. “My son who was just born I made sure I named him after my grandfather, so he continues part of his legacy, so being able to get it listed on the register, even if their names aren’t attached to it, I just know that this is a way that something that they love, we can find a way to protect and remember it.”
Hackett said the barn is still in use today. Hackett said the age of the barn is unknown. Hackett said the barn is often used in Rock City Garden’s advertisements.
“Just between the location and the good condition of it, and just the unique scenery in Grassy Cove where as when you come down the highway, you cannot miss it,” Hackett said. “You can literally come around the curve, and it is right exactly at eye level, and it’s just a pristine and scenic view that makes it, hey, this is a great piece, so let’s make sure everyone has seen it.”
Hackett said he encourages everyone to see the barns before more of them disappear as years go on.
