A roundhouse is a circular building traditionally used for storing and servicing locomotives and railway cars. It features a central turntable that allows trains to be rotated and directed onto different tracks. This design maximizes space and efficiency in railway operations. Roundhouses were commonly built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during the expansion of railroads in the United States and Europe. They often included maintenance facilities, such as workshops and storage areas, making them essential for the upkeep of steam and diesel engines. Today, many roundhouses have been preserved as historical sites or repurposed for other uses.