BEDFORD — Every June, Lawrence County, Indiana, honors its deep-rooted legacy as the “Limestone Capital of the World” by launching Limestone Month—a month-long celebration of the natural resource that built some of the globe’s most iconic monuments.
Since the early 1800s, Lawrence County’s rich history of quarrying and carving has set the region apart. Indiana limestone is uniquely valued for its composition; at 97% calcium carbonate, it is nearly chemically pure. This exceptional level of purity makes the stone highly durable, low-maintenance, and naturally beautiful.
Recognizing its immense cultural and economic value, the Indiana General Assembly officially adopted limestone as the state stone in 1971, and Lawrence County has celebrated Limestone Month annually since 2007.
While the quarries remain rooted in Southern Indiana, the stone excavated here has been exported worldwide to construct structures in South America, Canada, and England.
In the United States, Indiana limestone forms the architectural backbone of many of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks, including:
- The Empire State Building (New York City)
- The Tribune Tower (Chicago)
- The Pentagon, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial (Washington, D.C.)
2026 Public Events Lineup
To honor this heritage, Lawrence County Tourism and local historical societies have announced a public itinerary for June 2026, featuring exhibits, walking tours, and the return of a historic mineral showcase.
The Land of Limestone Exhibition
- When: Ongoing throughout June (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- Where: StoneGate Arts & Education Center, 931 15th Street, Bedford
- Details: This persistent exhibit brings to life the stories, machinery, and families tied to Lawrence County’s famous natural resource.
Green Hill Cemetery Guided Tours
- When: Wednesday, June 10 & Wednesday, June 17 at 10:00 a.m.
- Where: Meet at the Green Hill Cemetery main entrance
- Details: A free, guided walking tour showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of local master stone carvers. Attendees will view intricate limestone headstones, learn about the industry’s historical ties to the cemetery, and hear stories of prominent residents buried there. Registration is required; call Lawrence County Tourism at (812) 849-1090.
Downtown Historic & Architectural Walking Tours
- When: Friday, June 12 at 5:00 p.m. & Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m.
- Where: Meet at the Lawrence County Museum main entrance
- Details: This tour walks attendees through the architectural evolution of Bedford’s historic courthouse square, detailing the limestone construction methods utilized on the surrounding storefronts.
61st Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show
- When: Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28
- Where: Lawrence County Fairgrounds
- Details: A staple community event featuring rows of custom jewelry, raw gems, rare rocks, and fossils. The event also highlights local student science projects demonstrating the geological importance of local limestone and minerals. Admission is free to the public.
