Indiana limestone, also known as Bedford limestone is a common regional term for Salem limestone, a geological formation primarily quarried in south central Indiana, United States, between Bloomington and Bedford.
Bedford, Indiana, has been noted to have the highest quality quarried limestone in the United States. Salem limestone, like all limestone, is a rock primarily formed of calcium carbonate. The limestone was deposited over millions of years as marine fossils decomposed at the bottom of a shallow inland sea which covered most of the present-day Midwestern United States during the Mississippian Period.
Indiana limestone is part of a high-end market. It is mostly used on the exterior of homes and commercial buildings. With the impact of acid rain it is not used in monuments as it was in the 19th century. The Salem Formation for this area is exceptionally deep at over 90 feet thick in some areas. This makes it a prime building limestone because of its extreme durability.
Indiana Limestone is also very good for carving. It accepts and retains very fine detail. Many famous carvers moved to southern Indiana and began to change their medium to limestone. Their work can be seen on many buildings, gravestones, memorials, and other carvings.
To log this earthcache, please send answers to the following questions to my account:
- What color is the limestone on the Shelby County Courthouse?
- Look at the carvings on the building. They are located above the doors, up near the top of the building, and also near the base. Compare the details. Do they seem to be clear or faded?
- Compare the date carving on the cornerstone to the carving "Shelby County Courthouse" at the top of the building. Are they carved the same way? Which appears to be in better shape?
- Post a picture of yourself (face not required) or a personal item at the coordinates.