The history of barn decoration dates back to the mid 1800’s. Painting symbols on barns originated from traditional folk art passed along from the German and Swiss immigrants who settled the Pennsylvania Dutch region in southeastern Pennsylvania. They would paint small patterns on their barns to celebrate their heritage and bring good fortune. Originally these patterns were simple stars, compass roses, or stylized birds from traditional folk art.

We now bring the tradition to the Southeast and with the installation of “barn quilts”, we endeavor to create Barn Art Trails that maps out where barn art is installed. You can take a drive along some of our rural roads to each location provided on an easy-to-read map.