Russell County, KS
The miles of stone fenceposts in this area stand as a tribute to the ingenuity of early settlers who solved their fencing problems on the treeless plains by quarrying rock to use as posts. The stone posts have become a trademark of the Smoky Hills region of Northcentral Kansas. The stone used for posts and homestead buildings was quarried from bedrock found near the surface. This rock is a chalky limestone of rather uniform thickness eight to nine inches deep. When freshly quarried, it is soft enough to be sawed, notched, drilled or shaped with hand tools. After prolonged exposure to air it hardens and becomes weather-resistant.
Visitors will find many buildings, homes and yard ornaments throughout the Russell County area, built from this native limestone, commonly referred to as "post rock."
Explore Russell County
Grassroots Art Center
During the twentieth century Lucas, a unique, rural town in north central Kansas, has been a Mecca for Grassroots artists. Grassroots Art is described as individualistic self-taught, often eccentric senior citizens, who have a
Lucas, KS ArtsFlorence Deeble's Rock Garden
Florence Deeble was a child watching with curiosity, when S.P. Dinsmoor was constructing his Garden of Eden in Lucas. When she retired after a career as a high school English and history teacher, she began constructing her own grassroots environment of colored concrete scenes around her home.
Lucas, KS ArtsPost Rock Scenic Byway
The Post Rock Scenic Byway is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest drives in the State. It runs the 16-mile stretch along highway 232 from I-70 to K-18
Lucas, KS Scenic DrivesOutdoor Murals
This mural is painted on the side of the building bordering Cecil Bricker Park at 8th and Main in downtown Russell.
Russell, KS ArtsGernon House
This structure is the oldest "post rock" stone house built in Russell in 1872 by Nicholas Gernon, a blacksmith and one of the original settlers. This lovely home has been fully restored to the period of the 1890s.
Russell, KS MuseumsHeym-Oliver House
A renovated "post rock" limestone family home, showing a different style of sawn limestone. Located on "historic" Kansas Street.
Russell, KS Historic HomesFossil Station Museum
An imposing looking structure, the museum building was formerly the county jail, built in 1907 from greenhorn limestone or "post rock." It has adapted nicely to the modern theories of museum functions.
Russell, KS MuseumsEd Root Sculptures
Ed Root farmed south of Lucas until an automobile accident forced an early
Lucas, KS ArtsArt Center Building
The Grassroots Art Center has been open since 1995 and occupies three turn-of-the century native limestone buildings on the Main Street of Lucas. The main building was a bank until the bank holiday in 1933; it did not re-open as a bank but became the town's post office;
Lucas, KS Historic BuildingsWorld's Largest Souvenir Travel Plate
The Worlds Largest Souvenir Travel Plate is a 14' satellite dish painted with the history of Lucas and the Lucas area. Honoring the multiple Outsider Art environments that have flourished in Lucas since the early 1900s, the World'
Lucas, KS One Of A KindsPostrock Limestone Courtyard
A three million acre formation in central Kansas is known as post rock limestone. Cutting of this post rock grew out of the uniqueness of the land and the needs and inventiveness of early settlers. From 1870-1920, limestone was the only building material used in this area. By the mid 1880
Lucas, KS ArtsOil Patch Museum
Oil Patch Russell is a place to see, feel and learn about oil, the "Black Gold" that fuels man's imagination, as well as his machines. The story of the people and events that make up the history of oil in this area will come alive at Oil Patch Russell.
Russell, KS Museums