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
Gernon 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 MuseumsOutdoor Murals
This mural is painted on the side of the building bordering Cecil Bricker Park at 8th and Main in downtown Russell.
Russell, KS ArtsGarden of Eden
Being in a small prairie town in central Kansas, on a quiet residential street, a concrete Adam and Eve greet you;
Lucas, KS One Of A KindsFossil 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 MuseumsBrant's Meat Market
Stop by Brant's Meat Market and sample some of Doug's homemade bolonga fresh from the smokehouse. His specialty meats are made from family recipes passed down for three generations occupying this same downtown Lucas building.
Lucas, KSOil 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 MuseumsPost 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 DrivesFlorence 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 ArtsGrassroots 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 ArtsHeym-Oliver House
A renovated "post rock" limestone family home, showing a different style of sawn limestone. Located on "historic" Kansas Street.
Russell, KS Historic HomesRussell County Courthouse
President Gerald R. Ford and Senator Robert J. Dole launched the 1976 Presidential campaign on this site on August 20, 1976.
Russell, KS Historical MarkersWorld'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 Kinds