Images of the Jasper Stone Quarry today and from the late 19th century Courtesy of Lorraine Draper and the National Register Collection

The five Rae brothers, who immigrated from Scotland in 1886, were the primary organizers and promoters of the first stone quarry in Jasper. In 1888 shortly after the town was founded, Swedish immigrant stonecutters began arriving to work in the quarries. These skilled artisans produced building and paving blocks, using hand tools in an age-old stonecutting art that required both knowledge and physical skills. In its early days, the quarry furnished immense quantities of building blocks that were shipped to cities by rail. The stone was greatly sought after because of its hardness, elegance and permanent color.

Jasper Stone Quarry, the only active quarry in the area Courtesy of Lorraine Draper

C. F. Lytle, founder of the Jasper Stone Company, purchased the Jasper quarries in 1916. He was the first of three generations to own the company. He was followed by his son F. K. Lytle and his grandson C. F. (Bud) Lytle. L. G. Everist, Inc. purchase the quarry in 2001. Of the four quarries once located in the area, Jasper Stone Company is the only one still operating. Today the company cuts the stone with high-tech saws as well as uses hand chisels and hammers as done for the past 100+ years. The stone is cut for Architectural, industrial, residential, landscaping, monuments, and many other unique applications as well as shipped domestically and internationally.

The Jasper Stone Company and Quarry is located in the south part of Jasper, just over the county border in Rock County. It is still an active quarry--visit http://www.lgeverist.com/jasperstoneco/index.html.