Set in Stone:
Limestone Building Traditions

European settlers were pleased to find that the Faribault area had rich supplies of limestone suitable for construction, located less than a mile from the new town. Faribault’s first three quarries opened in the mid 1850s, supplying stone which was shaped by immigrant stone masons from Quebec, Ireland, and Germany. The masons used the versatile limestone to build their own venacular homes and to create the formal architecture of area churches and stylish Gothic Revival cottages. Both the builders and the occupants of limestone buildings played significant roles in the town’s past development and present appearance.

	People of the Past Whom could you find in limestone buildings?
	Extraordinary and Everyday Events What past construction events were the talk of the town?
	Fun Features Which limestone locations were special to Faribault residents?
	Secret Stories What was hiding in limestone?
	Virtual Tour Ten great limestone sites.