Diamond, Oregon: Peter French's Round Barn
Cattle king Peter French had this giant round barn built out in the middle of nowhere in the 1870s. It's still in the middle of nowhere, but now it has a gift shop.
- Address:
- 51955 Lava Bed Rd, Diamond, OR
- Directions:
- On the east side of Lava Bed Rd/Diamond Craters Rd, 13.5 miles south of New Princeton.
Visitor Tips and News About Peter French's Round Barn
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Peter French was a Cattle King south of Burns around the 1870s. He had the round barn built by his men to break horses in the wintertime -- only to discover the horses had to be re-broken in the spring. It is constructed of huge Juniper logs, rock, and cut lumber. I believe it is a national monument. There is no one there. Off a gravel road, off of paved Diamond Craters Road.
[Lou Edwards, 01/25/2004]
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Since this tip was written, the Round Barn has acquired an adjacent visitor center with a bookstore, restrooms, gift shop, and snacks. Peter French, according to a sign, had a "tyrannical and overbearing temper," and was shot dead in 1897.