Built in 1911, the barn originally served as a dairy barn and was technologically significant for its impact on farming by incorporating the first electric milking machine in Marion County. The West August Historical Society maintains ownership of the barn, operating it as a museum. The museum holds a collection of antique farm equipment, a carriage, a sleigh, early mining tools, and other West Virginia artifacts. The barn is also available to rent for weddings, reunions and other events.