American Flag Barn in Williston, Vermont

I’ve always had a soft spot for Vermont’s roadside attractions. The unusual sculptures, old barns, hand-painted signs and little landmarks that make me slow down for a closer look.

And on Oak Hill Road in Williston, Vermont, there’s a barn that stands out from the surrounding countryside.

Known as the American Flag Barn, this roadside landmark features a large American flag painted across the side of a traditional Vermont barn. It’s a striking sight, particularly against the green fields of summer or the colorful foliage of fall.

But there’s a personal story behind the artwork that makes it even more meaningful.

A traditional red barn with a large American flag painted across its side in Williston, Vermont

The Story Behind Williston’s American Flag Barn

The American Flag Barn was created by Roger A. St. Hilaire as a tribute to his wife, Jane, and his family. I love learning the stories behind Vermont’s roadside landmarks, particularly when they’re personal expressions of love, remembrance or community pride.

What might initially appear to be a patriotic barn painting has a deeper meaning for the family who created it.

And that’s part of what makes traveling Vermont’s back roads so interesting. You can pass a building hundreds of times without knowing the story behind it.

The flag’s bold red, white and blue stripes stand out against the barn’s rustic exterior, turning a traditional agricultural building into a recognizable piece of roadside Americana.

Finding the American Flag Barn on Oak Hill Road

Williston is often associated with the busy shopping centers around Taft Corners, but head away from Route 2 and you’ll find beautiful stretches of rural countryside.

Oak Hill Road is one of those roads, with historic farmhouses, barns and agricultural land that reflect Williston’s farming history.

The American Flag Barn makes a fun addition to a back-road drive through Chittenden County, particularly if you enjoy photographing Vermont’s barns and roadside landmarks.

I love that even in one of Vermont’s more developed towns, you can still find reminders of its agricultural past.

While exploring Williston’s back roads, keep an eye out for the nearby Bernie Barn, another colorful roadside landmark featuring a larger-than-life cariacture of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders painted on the side of a barn.

A red barn in Williston, Vermont, with painted artwork and flag-patterned sunglasses on its wall.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: Oak Hill Road, Williston, Vermont.
History: The American Flag Barn was created by Roger A. St. Hilaire as a tribute to his wife, Jane, and his family.
Parking: There is no designated public parking at the barn. Do not park in private driveways, fields or along the road where stopping would obstruct traffic.
Viewing: The barn is on private property and should be admired from the public road only. If there isn’t a safe place to stop, enjoy the view as you drive past rather than pulling over for a photo.
Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours provide the best visibility. The surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful during summer and fall.
Nearby: Williston Village and the rural back roads of Chittenden County.

Vermont has plenty of roadside landmarks that are easy to overlook if you’re in a hurry. The American Flag Barn is a reminder that even a familiar country road can hold a little history and a meaningful family story.

Next time you’re traveling Oak Hill Road, keep an eye out for the stars and stripes.