John Barker moved to Michigan City, Indiana in 1836, where he became a significant figure in the local economy by investing in Sherman, Haskell, & Aldridge, which later transformed into the Haskell & Barker Car Company. In 1857, he constructed The Barker Mansion, a symbol of his success. During the Civil War, the company produced vital freight cars that supplied Union troops.
One of the fireplaces on the first floor of the mansion.
Another beautiful room located on the first floor.
The staircase to the second and third floor is massive and very impressive.
The woodwork is very unique.
A close-up of the outstanding woodwork.
One of the bedrooms located on the second floor.
Another bedroom located on the second floor.
The museum in the basement highlights the history of the Barker Family in the railroad boxcar industry.
A boxcar model of the popular Haskell & Barker Car Company.
A model overview of the Haskell & Barker Car Company. Some say that the company was utilizing an assembly line type of construction to build their railroad cars before the Henry Ford made it popular in the auto industry.
The Barker Mansion is located at 631 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana. The facility is presently building the Barker Depot Museum which will house a historic box car that was built by the company in 1902. For more information and details or to plan a visit, go to https://barkermansion.org/about/
Wells County Historical Society and Museum 
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