Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – Limestone Month is proudly celebrated every June in Lawrence County. 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, Indiana limestone structures are found 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.
Indiana produces up to 80% of all the limestone quarried in the U.S. According to statistics from 2023, Indiana has nine working, active quarries producing approximately 2.7 million cubic feet of limestone per year.
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.
Lawrence County will observe Limestone Month with several activities, including architectural tours and the Limestone Heritage Festival in downtown Bedford.
2025 Limestone Month events
Land of Limestone Exhibition: The Land of Limestone exhibit brings to life the people, events, and history surrounding Lawrence County’s famous natural resource — limestone. Located inside the StoneGate Arts & Education Center, 931 15th St., open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June 25: 10 a.m.: Green Hill Cemetery Tours: On this free guided walking tour visitors 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 27-29: 60th annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil Show: See rows and rows of jewelry gems, rocks, fossils and science projects demonstrating the importance of local limestone and minerals at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Free admission.
June 27 & 28: Downtown Historic/Architectural Walking Tour: Learn more about the past evolution of our courthouse square and hear stories from the past. Tours include architectural and historical information on the buildings around the square. Meet at Lawrence County Museum for each tour. 10 a.m. on June 27 & June 28.
June 27 & 28: 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 27 & 28: 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 cake and punch. Hours are 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on June 27 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28.