Since the late 1930s, the Comer Barn has been a scenic focal point in Sumner County. Located in Gallatin just north of the Hendersonville city limits, the historic building has been cherished by generations of people across the community.
The barn was originally constructed to serve as a horse stable, a purpose that it fulfilled for many years. However, over the past few decades, the once beautiful structure fell into a state of considerable disrepair.
In 2016, the barn’s owner, the Rogers Group, transferred the property to Sumner County with the understanding that it would be restored within five years. Subsequently, there were numerous attempts to develop restoration plans, including turning it into an agricultural learning center.
Unfortunately, none of the plans were ever realized, and the ownership of the barn reverted to the Rogers Group. This disappointing turn of events led many locals to believe that all hope was for saving the barn was lost.
However, all was not lost.
Private negotiations between many groups and individuals continued, ultimately leading to a plan in which the Rogers Group would restore the barn at its own cost. In November 2024, the Preservation Foundation of Sumner County announced that the restoration process would begin immediately, with an estimated completion date of fall 2025.
“We are extremely grateful to Rogers Group and their ownership for agreeing to invest in our community and this particularly invaluable piece of history,” said Deanne DeWitt, president of the Preservation Foundation of Sumner County. “Thanks to them, this beautiful barn, loved and admired by so many, will provide a landscape lauded with inspiration for generations to come.”
After years of planning and ten months of reconstruction, the newly renovated Comer Barn was unveiled during a private ceremony on Sept. 24. Key stakeholders from across the community attended the event in order to celebrate the hard work and dedication that saved the historic structure from ruin.