Lawrence County proudly commemorates Limestone Month each June. Since the early 1800s, Lawrence County’s rich limestone quarrying and carving history has set this Indiana county apart. As a major supplier of quality limestone to the world, you’ll find Indiana Limestone structures in South America, Canada, England and of course, America. That is why we call ourselves Limestone Country.
Indiana Limestone is Unique
You may wonder what makes Indiana limestone so special. It is made primarily from calcium carbonate. This mineral was deposited over millions of years, as marine fossils decomposed at the bottom of a shallow inland sea, which covered most of this area during the Mississippian Period. Indiana limestone is nearly chemically pure, which means it’s about 97% calcium carbonate. As a result, it is particularly durable, low maintenance, affordable and has unmatched beauty.
Where Limestone is Found
Limestone is found underground in the Stone Belt, a unique and limited area in Lawrence County and nearby Monroe County that is only 35 miles long and 10 miles wide. In this south-central part of Indiana, limestone is easily spotted along the highways and among nature. It is the reason for the gently rolling hills, rocky terrain, caves and caverns around the county.
Famous Limestone Structures
Some of the most iconic American structures are made from Indiana limestone. The Empire State Building in New York, Chicago’s Tribune Tower, several federal buildings in Washington D.C. including the Pentagon, and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials are constructed with it. Even recent building projects include Indiana Limestone, like the new Yankee stadium.
Join Our Celebration
Wed., June 15 @ 10am – Greenhill Cemetery Walking Tour. Register by calling 1-800-798-0769.
Fri. & Sat., June 24 & 25 – Limestone Carving Exhibit, Downtown Depot in Bedford
Fri. & Sat., June 24 & 25 – Limestone Heritage Festival, Downtown Bedford. This is a huge event that includes pancake breakfast, carving, tours, food, beer garden, parade and live entertainment.
Fri. & Sat., June 24 & 25 – Limestone Architectural Walking Tours, downtown Bedford. Meet in front of the Lawrence County Museum. Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 11am.
Fri. – Sun., June 24-26 – Annual Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show, Lawrence County 4H Fairgrounds
Sat., June 25 @ 10am – Discover the Story Behind the Stone, Downtown Depot in Bedford
Sat. & Sun., June 24 & 25 – Limestone Weekend at Spring Mill State Park
Tues., June 28 @ 6pm – Limestone Month presentation in Otis Park featuring Nelson Shaffer, Head of Industrial Minerals at Indiana University
While you are here to celebrate Limestone month, check out these dining options.
If you need a place to stay, we welcome you!
