Iconic Red Barn

The red barn has always been a staple of the American agricultural landscape.

Red barns are not only iconic symbols in rural America, but the red barn is also part of its history and culture. Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many American barns are painted in this particular color?

iconic red barn greenwood delaware
This iconic red barn is located on Route 16 just east of Greenwood, Delaware – in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula.

The iconic red barn is a staple of the American countryside, with its bright hue standing out against the rolling hills. But why are barns painted red? What is the history behind this choice of color? In exploring why American barns have been traditionally painted red and examining the various reasons for this cultural phenomenon, we found one that seems to make sense. This might provide an historical and a modern explanation for why red is so popular among farmers and farm buildings in America.

In the “early days” there were few, if any, choices for building supplies and (what we now know as) paints and sealers did not exist. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in. But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces.

When paint became available, many farmers chose to continue the “red barn” tradition. Or, maybe, it was because red paint is slightly less expensive to produce because iron oxide is so plentiful in nature. Keep in mind that not all barns are painted red – but the majority of them are.

gettysburg red barn
Red Barn on a rolling hillside near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Barn images are for sale as wall art and printed on a variety of home decor items. To see more, to browse or shop – click on the images above or the links below.

Link to: Iconic Red Barn

Link to: Red Barn near Gettysburg, PA

Link to: Bill’s Farm Collection

Link to: the Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery


Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Delmarva

Historic Train bridge over the river at Tuckahoe River State Park in Queen Anne, MD

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go in a make-believe train at the Tuckahoe State Park. The bridge has been out of service for many, many years but still stands over the Tuckahoe River along Route 404 in the center of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

tuckahoe river railroad bridge in the fall
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall.
tuckahoe river railroad bridge as seen from route 404
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge as see from a car driving past on Route 404 – getting to see this for a fraction of a second.

The Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Queen Anne, MD is a beautiful and important landmark that has been part of the community for over 100 years. Located near the intersection of Route 404 and Route 50, this bridge is an integral part of the local history. Built in 1909, the Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering genius of its creators. Tucked away in the woods and now partially overgrown, this bridge is quite hard to find. It was originally built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and is a one-lane concrete and steel structure that spans the Tuckahoe River. Its overall length is over 100 feet and it stands 26 feet tall. The bridge is located at the southern border of the Tuckahoe River State Park and is “briefly” visible to vehicles passing by on Maryland Route 404 near Queen Anne, Maryland.

“Tuckahoe State Park is a public recreation area located along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, United States. Adkins Arboretum, a garden and preserve maintaining over 600 native plant species, occupies 500 acres of the park.” (from :Wikipedia)

The above photograph was taken in 2014 and has been a popular image of Bill Swartwout Photography’s online gallery. So, of course prints are available along with a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall

Link to: other images of the Tuckahoe River Bridge

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery.

Link to: Railroad Bridge at Tuckahoe State Park (below)

A kayaker on the Tuckahoe River near the old railroad bridge.
A kayaker on the Tuckahoe River can get an outstanding view of the old railroad bridge. (Photo in mid-January, 2023)

Fenwick Island Dunes and Waves

The beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is gorgeous on a breezy day in the Fall.

Fenwick Island, Delaware is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean and provides a picturesque beach for visitors to explore. Located in Sussex County, it offers a unique coastal experience with plenty of activities for all ages. With its pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking views of the ocean, Fenwick Island is the perfect destination for a family vacation or weekend getaway.

fenwick dunes and waves
Fenwick Dunes and Waves Wall Art

Fenwick Island, Delaware is a beautiful vacation destination that offers plenty of activities and attractions. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island has become increasingly popular for its pristine beach and clear waters. Whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Fenwick Island offers something for everyone. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, visitors can explore the area at their own pace while taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.

fenwick dunes and waves in blacks and white
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in Blacks and White

The beautiful beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is a must-see destination for beach-goers. An island on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island is a tranquil paradise situated between Ocean City, Maryland and Bethany Beach, Delaware. With its white sand beaches, boardwalk attractions and miles of shoreline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in Fenwick Island.

fenwick dunes and waves panorama
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in a Panorama Format

For browsing or shopping, each of the images clicks to a more detailed page and see them without watermarks. The links below are more generic but will show you some gorgeous landscape and seascape photography.

Link to: Bill’s Coastal Delaware Collection

Link to: Bill’s Beaches Collection

Link to: www.BillSwartwoutPhotography.com