LAWRENCE CO. – Limestone Month is proudly celebrated every June in Lawrence County, Indiana. 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.
In fact, 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 all constructed with Indiana limestone.
What makes Indiana limestone so special is its high composition of calcium carbonate. At 97% calcium carbonate, Indiana limestone is nearly chemically pure. At this high level of purity, limestone is particularly durable, low maintenance, affordable, and has unmatched beauty.
Limestone was adopted by the Indiana General Assembly as the official State Stone and codified into law in 1971.
Limestone Month has been celebrated annually in Lawrence County, Indiana since 2007.
2023 Limestone Month Events
June 9 – 11: CCC 90TH Anniversary
The Civilian Conservation Corps was instrumental in creating and enhancing Spring Mill State Park. In many cases, the CCC used local limestone to build features and facilities in the park. Check out LimestoneCountry.com/event/ccc for a full list of activities to commemorate their contributions.
June 14 & June 28, 10 a.m.: Green Hill Cemetery Tours
On this free guided walking tour you will see intricate headstones, learn about the limestone industry’s
connection to the cemetery and hear interesting stories about some who have been laid to rest there. Call Lawrence County Tourism at 812-849-1090 to register.
June 15 & June 22, 10 a.m.: 3D Stone Tours
Take a free tour through this industry-leading limestone facility. Attendees must be over 18 and wear closed-toe shoes. A hard hat will be provided. Limited space is available. Pre-registration is required, Call Lawrence County Tourism at 812-849-1090 to register.
June 16 – 17: Judah Heritage Festival
The Judah Heritage Festival is a traditional annual event. Include it in your Limestone Month plans for fun festival food, carnival rides, a parade, fireworks, and live entertainment.
June 17, 2 p.m.: What Do Railroads Do?
Indiana University Professor, David Nord, discusses the importance of the railroad to the local limestone industry. This free presentation will be delivered in the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park.
June 20, 9 a.m.: Indiana Limestone A Polycor Inc. Company Tour through a premier supplier of Indiana Limestone since 1926. Attendees must be over 18 and wear closed-toe shoes. Limited space is available. Pre-registration is required. Call Lawrence County Tourism at 812-849-1090 to register.
June 22 & 29, 6 p.m.: Limestone & Lemonade
For $15 per participant, sip lemonade while you paint limestone keepsakes. On June 22, the location will be in Bedford. Then on June 29, the location will be in Mitchell. Go to this link for more information and to make reservations. LimestoneCountry.com/tag/limestone-and-lemonade
June 23 – 25: 58th Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil Show
At the Lawrence County Fairgrounds, see rows and rows of jewelry, gems, rocks, fossils, and science projects demonstrating the importance of local limestone and minerals. Admission is free.
June 23 & June 24: Limestone Heritage Festival
The Limestone Month culminates during Limestone Heritage Festival on the square in downtown Bedford. Celebrating the importance of limestone, the local community comes together for a parade, live music, food trucks, vendors, a fascinating limestone carving demonstration, and fireworks.
June 23 & 24: Limestone Carving Exhibit
This is your chance to see a live limestone carving demonstration, and maybe even try it yourself! Vote for your favorite limestone piece. Free limestone rock painting for children. Free cake and punch. Hours are 5 – 8 p.m. on June 23 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24.
June 24: Limestone Volkswalk
This free guided walk winds through downtown Bedford. Discover limestone buildings, statues, and landmarks. To join the tour, meet Teena Ligman at the Hardee’s parking lot in Bedford at 9 a.m.
June 24 & June 25: Limestone Weekend At Spring Mill State Park
Spring Mill State Park will celebrate the major role limestone played in creating landscapes and architecture in the park. See demonstrations and special events. Check out LimestoneCountry.com/event/Limestone-Weekend-2 for the schedule of events.
June 27, 6 p.m.: Take A Stroll Through History
Take a free guided stroll through the northside district of Bedford and explore the history of this unique area. Meet Teena Ligman and Marla Jones at the Episcopal Church, 1219 14th Street, Bedford. RSVP to Bedford Parks Department at 812-275-5692 by June 26th.
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