Indiana State Library Foundation, Inc.

INDIANA LIMESTONE

One of Indiana’s most famous exports is undoubtedly its limestone. Found in abundance in south central Indiana, it has been used to construct many buildings throughout the world, including the Indiana Capitol and the Indiana State Library.

One of the largest limestone providers continues to be the Indiana Limestone Company. Originally located in Bedford, the company was officially incorporated on April 14, 1926. An image from the Indiana State Library’s digital collection shows large limestone columns being prepared for transport. The photo is taken from a multi-volume scrapbook set showcasing the quarrying, transportation and uses of Indiana limestone with many images attributed to the Indiana Limestone Company.

The Grand Army of the Republic

After the end of Civil War, many veterans formed various state and local fraternal organizations in order to keep in touch with each other. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) emerged as most influential, being founded on April 6, 1866, in Decatur, Illinois. It was founded on the principles of “fraternity, charity and loyalty.” At its peak in 1890, the GAR. had about 410,000 members. In Indiana, the last survivor of the GAR was John Christian Adams, who died in 1949 in Jonesboro, at the age of 101. The national group lasted until 1956 when it was dissolved after the last veteran died.

Morton Post No. 1, in Terre Haute, created its charter in 1879, with many others following shortly thereafter: Gen. Joe Canby Post 2, Brazil; Logan Post No. 3, Lafayette; John C. Fremont Post No. 4, Covington; Pap Thomas Post 5, Greensburg; James H, Emmett Post No. 6, Wabash; McPherson Post No. 7, Crawfordsville; Auten Post No. 8, South Bend; Gen. Steele Post No. 9, Rockville; Captain Floyd Post 10, Annapolis; Greencastle Post No. 11; and Sugar Greek Post No. 12; Macksville. After these 12 posts, many followed and spread across Indiana until all counties were represented. Eventually, there were a total of 592 posts at their peak.

This post was written by Christopher Marshall, digital collections coordinator for the Indiana Division at the Indiana State Library. 1.8.2026

Further Reading
“History of the Grand Army of the Republic in Indiana”
“Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) 1866-1956”
Woman’s Relief Corps
“Regimental reunions of Civil War veterans”

The Indiana State Library hosts many digital collections beyond its own collections. The items come from libraries, museums and historical societies across Indiana and can be searched in Indiana Memory.

One of the newest collections is “Cornerstone of Columbus, Indiana -- 301 Washington Street.” (see photo)

A late-19th century brick building adorned with the words Irwin’s Bank, located at 301 Washington St. in Columbus, tells the story of the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family in Bartholomew County. For the last 200 years, the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family has contributed to shaping Columbus with much involvement in the city’s business, religion, politics, art and philanthropy.

Beginning as a digital exhibit in 2017, the new collection was created by the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives (CIAA). In 2018, the CIAA became part of the Bartholomew County Public Library.

The digital exhibit and the digital collection have more than 300 items, which are held by the CIAA, the Bartholomew County Public Library and the Bartholomew County Historical Society. Included in the collections are photographs featuring the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family and the interior and exterior of the building; postcards of Columbus; material sample cards; pamphlets; documents relating to the building’s history; ephemera; and artifacts. They all tell the story of an important Columbus family and building.

This post was written by Christopher Marshall, digital collections coordinator for the Indiana Division at the Indiana State Library.