Abandoned Indiana Brick Factory Tells Unique Story

Tucked away in Vermillion County, Indiana, is a fascinating piece of Hoosier history that feels like stepping back in time. It’s an abandoned brick factory that once played a surprisingly big role in shaping buildings across the country.

The Story Behind The Colonial Brick Corporation

The former Colonial Brick Corporation first fired up its kilns in 1904, producing bricks the old-fashioned way for more than six decades. In 1965, the operation was purchased by Dan Swartz Sr., and the facility kept going strong for years after that. At its peak, this was a massive 50-acre operation. It wasn’t until 2016 that the factory finally shut its doors for good.

Why This Factory Was So Unique

The craftsmanship and history are what really make this place stand out. This wasn’t just any brick factory. It held the unique distinction of being the last place in the entire country still using coal-fired brick kilns. That alone makes it a pretty incredible slice of American and Indiana history.

How These Bricks Helped Preserve History

The bricks themselves are equally impressive. According to Indiana Landmarks, the factory used antique equipment and a hands-on process to create bricks you simply couldn’t find anywhere else. Workers carefully cut each piece and stacked them inside beehive-shaped kilns, allowing them to replicate the look and feel of early 20th-century bricks. That meant these bricks were often used to restore historic buildings across the U.S., helping preserve the past in a very real way.

Today, the buildings sit quietly, but they’re still incredibly interesting to explore – at least from a historical perspective. It’s a reminder of the kind of craftsmanship and pride that defined an era of Indiana industry.

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Huge shoutout to Kris Cowden and Kenny Lewis for sharing photos of the site on Facebook and helping keep the story alive. And while there may not be “No Trespassing” signs in certain areas, it’s always smart to respect private property and stay safe if you decide to check it out.