Indiana Limestone

Officially known as Salem limestone, Indiana limestone quarries are big business in this part of the country. While out driving the other day, we passed by these two working quarries.

Stone from Bybee Stone helped rebuild the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks.

This is a "wall" of detritus from the operations.

Some of these blocks are 3 feet across.

Victor Oolitic Stone Company has been in business since 1898. The quarry covers 2,400 acres. It is an amazing sight.

By the way, oolitic references a particular type of limestone and a nearby town was named Oolitic for the limestone deposits nearby.

Stacks of huge blocks line the quarry.

Limestone as far as the eye can see.

This old crane rests on blocks of limestone cut long ago.

An interesting fact is that once limestone has been cut for a huge project, some of the extra stone from that area may be set aside in case replacement stone is needed later. This ensures the new stone will match the original stone.

And just how did they move this stone before the age of semi-trailers? By railroad, of course. This old railroad trestle still stands near the Victor Oolitic Stone quarry.