Monday, November 17, 2014
This abandoned limestone mine was begun in the 1870's by a pair of brothers, Lyman and William. Lyman was born in the 1830s, went to school and took a job in New York by the age of 14. He worked various jobs until when, at the age of 27, he struck out for mining opportunities in what would later become Montana territory. During this trek, his team was forced to repell attacks by Native Americans. He arrived in July of 1863 and formed a mining partnership. But this region was sparsely populated and even less regulated by law and as such any disputes were settled amongst the miners themselves. Soon a vigilante group was formed and eventually executed 26 men while banishing many others. Lyman was a member of this group and personally hung 5 of the offenders. He would eventually leave, leading an expedition into unsettled territory before finally making his way to Missouri, where he would join his brother in mining.
William started out working in a similar field as his brother but soon organized and became captain of a company of volunteers for the Union Army. He commanded his company through at least 4 battles of the Civil War and served until the end of the conflict. He returned home and soon started the Old Limestone Mine.
This mine was later owned by a few different organizations until around 1950 when it was shuttered.
UPDATE: This location is now known as the Sodalis Nature Preserve in Hannibal, Missouri. All of the buildings have been demolished and the limestone mine is gated off in order to protect the bats living here.
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