Indiana Limestone is popular with Americans but may not have international acclaim. See why the ‘National Stone’ is essential to some of the world’s most prominent landmarks.
In terms of recognition, Indiana may not share the same acclaim as Hollywood, New York or Los Angeles.
But the humble region has something those landmark names lack. Limestone, specifically Indiana Limestone.
The material, also known as Bedford Limestone, has been a critical pillar behind architectural landmarks. The star-studded list includes the Empire State, Pentagon, and the National Cathedral.
Limestone holds a special place in the heart of Indiana. More than five decades ago, in 1971, they deemed limestone as the official state. Bedford, near Bloomington, has often claimed the title of the Limestone Capital of the World.
The area has a host of quarries which have national acclaim. Empire Quarry supplied close to 19,000 tons of limestone for the Empire State Building, Richard Gilbert Quarry was the state’s first quarry after it was established in 1827.
“Indiana limestone has gone into literally tens of thousands of building projects across North America and the world,” executive director of the Indiana Limestone Institute of America Todd Schnatzmeyer told the Smithsonian.
As well as several courthouses and university facilities, Indiana limestone was used to create the world’s largest anatomically correct brain sculpture in Bloomington at Indiana University.
At one point in time, at the turn of the 20th century, the Hoosier state delivered close to 80 per cent of the US limestone. Data shows Indiana quarries produced 12 million cubic feet of usable stone by 1929.
Bedford limestone is understood to contain 97 per cent calcite which is durable and easy to cut. The state produces about 2 million cubic feet of limestone a year and while many quarries remain active, some have been rehabilitated.
The Empire Quarry has been disused for production for years. In recent times, it has transitioned into a water hole that has been popular with cliff divers and swimmers.
Many tourists tour the Empire Quarry as guides recount the site’s role in the Empire State Building, which has become internationally renowned.
“It’s some cool stuff,” Lloyd Harry told the Herald Times.
“The limestone’s been used for the state capitols, the Pentagon, the (Washington) National Cathedral … that’s definitely a source of pride.”
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