Yampa Ranch Historic Barn and Granary receive official designation as an historic property in Routt County

June 29, 2026 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News. Courtesy photos.

The Yampa Ranch Historic Barn and Granary have been officially designated to the Routt County Register of Historic Properties. The property is south of the Town of Yampa along County Road 6D. The property was first claimed in 1889. It’s owned by Matt and Dana Tredway.

Press Release from Historic Routt County; June 29, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; June 29, 2026

Historic Routt County Celebrates Designation of Yampa Ranch Historic Barn and Granary

YAMPA, Colorado — Historic Routt County is pleased to announce that the Yampa Ranch Historic Barn and Granary have been officially designated to the Routt County Register of Historic Properties through Routt County Resolution 2026-052, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on June 23, 2026.

The designation marks another important preservation success for Routt County and recognizes the historic barn and granary as rare surviving examples of early agricultural construction in the Yampa Valley. Historic Routt County supported the local designation effort through historical research, documentation, nomination assistance, and coordination with the property owners, Matt and Dana Tredway.

Located south of the Town of Yampa along County Road 6D, the historic log barn and granary are associated with Routt County’s early homestead and ranching heritage. The property was first claimed in 1889 by James Sweeney and patented by the United States in 1894. In 1906, the land was conveyed to John P. Phillips, an early settler in the Yampa Valley whose family helped establish permanent homesteads and agricultural operations in the region.

The barn and granary were designated for their significance to the cultural, economic, social, and historic heritage of Routt County, as well as for their distinctive architectural character. The barn features hand-hewn logs and dovetail corner joinery, reflecting the skilled craftsmanship and practical building methods used by early settlers before milled lumber was widely available. The granary is also notable for its functional design, including interior siding intended to help protect stored grain from rodents. A

lthough many of the ranch’s original outbuildings have been lost over time, the surviving barn and granary remain important physical reminders of the property’s long agricultural use. Recent stabilization work has helped preserve these structures while maintaining their historic materials, form, and character.

“These designations do not happen by accident,” said Historic Routt County. “They take committed property owners, careful research, public process, and a strong preservation partner to help bring the story forward. Historic Routt County is proud to have supported the nomination of the Yampa Ranch Historic Barn and Granary and to help ensure that these rare agricultural buildings are recognized as part of Routt County’s historic legacy.”

The Routt County Historic Preservation Board reviewed and approved the local historic designation application at its May 13, 2026 meeting and recommended approval to the Board of County Commissioners. Following a public hearing on June 23, 2026, the Board found that the criteria for designation had been satisfied.

Historic Routt County congratulates Matt and Dana Tredway for their dedication to preserving the barn and granary, and recognizes the Routt County Historic Preservation Board and the Board of County Commissioners for their continued support of local historic preservation.

This designation reinforces Historic Routt County’s ongoing mission to protect and promote the area’s cultural and architectural legacy. Through research, advocacy, education, and partnerships, HRC continues to work with property owners, local government, and the community to preserve the historic places that tell Routt County’s story.

For more information on this designation or to learn how you can support local preservation efforts, visit www.HistoricRouttCounty.org or call 970-875-1305.

About Historic Routt County: Historic Routt County is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Routt County’s rich history, ensuring that its historic sites remain an integral part of the community’s future. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, the organization works to cultivate a preservation ethic in Routt County and protect the character and heritage of this unique Colorado region.

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