Ballard,  Bates County,  Missouri

This small limestone quarry began on property owned by George Keirsey on Section 8, SpruceTownship, Bates County, Missouri.

The quarry is an outcropping of limestone running approximately 50 feet north-south.  A small creek runs at the bottom of the outcropping which is approximately 20 feet thick, with only about 10 feet of the ledge being usable.

The limestone is evident at the surface throughout the property.  Soil depth is shallow and supports only small scrub trees. The land drops off sharply to the east and small outcroppings ranging from 12 to 30 inches abound.

Substantial fractures are evident throughout the deposit which accounts for the irregular small pieces used in the foundation and lower level of the old Ballard School.

The quarry was worked off and on for several years in the 1920’s.  Despite heavy weathering, core hole marks are still quite evident.

Stone from the Keirsey Quarry was used in fencing running west along Highway 19 and for local building foundations. It has not been worked recently.

Source:  Interview Rick Hill, Ballard, Mo.,  History of Ballard, Mo.