A Message From the Owner
Rust-Unger Monuments was established in Columbus in the 1860's and has always been locally owned and operated. All of Rust-Unger's monuments and markers come from the finest granite quarries around the world. Great care is taken to select only perfect stones for our memorials, ensuring that the monument you secure from us will mark your loved one's place of rest with unfading and everlasting beauty.
Through the use of laser-etching, we can transfer individual and family portraits, or photographs of just about anything onto one of our memorials for all time.
When you sit down with us to discuss creating a monument, it is undoubtedly one of the most difficult times in your life. Being sensitive and respectful of your situation is always our primary concern. We consider it a privilege to serve the citizens of our community and surrounding counties, and would welcome the opportunity to help you select and design a memorial.
At Rust-Unger Monuments you are involved in the creative process from the first time you sit down with our designer, all the way to the final step where our in-house, Rust-Unger professional transports and carefully places your finished monument at its final destination.
If you have a unique shape or custom design in mind, we can help you make your vision a reality. We invite you to contact us with your questions and visit our large outdoor display anytime.
Rust-Unger Monuments was established in Columbus in the 1860's and has always been locally owned and operated. All of Rust-Unger's monuments and markers come from the finest granite quarries around the world. Great care is taken to select only perfect stones for our memorials, ensuring that the monument you secure from us will mark your loved one's place of rest with unfading and everlasting beauty.
Through the use of laser-etching, we can transfer individual and family portraits, or photographs of just about anything onto one of our memorials for all time.
When you sit down with us to discuss creating a monument, it is undoubtedly one of the most difficult times in your life. Being sensitive and respectful of your situation is always our primary concern. We consider it a privilege to serve the citizens of our community and surrounding counties, and would welcome the opportunity to help you select and design a memorial.
At Rust-Unger Monuments you are involved in the creative process from the first time you sit down with our designer, all the way to the final step where our in-house, Rust-Unger professional transports and carefully places your finished monument at its final destination.
If you have a unique shape or custom design in mind, we can help you make your vision a reality. We invite you to contact us with your questions and visit our large outdoor display anytime.
Restored bronze statue in the new Central Middle School
2421 E. 10th Street, Columbus, Indiana 812-379-4151
About Us
Michael Unger Monument Company, May 20, 1903
James A. Cavanaugh, a native of Columbus, Indiana, returned from the Civil War and opened a monument company. For more than twenty years, he created marble tombstones. After his death, Michael Unger, a French immigrant and longtime employee of Cavanaugh, purchased the assets of the firm and continued the business under the name "Michael Unger Monument Company".
George W. Unger, Michael's son, bought the "Columbus Monument Works" in 1920 and sometime later merged it with the "Unger Monument Company" creating the "Unger Granite Works".
The "Rust Monument Company" was founded in 1928 when three employees left George W. Unger to form "The Rust-McCoy Monument Works". George continued in the business until 1938 when he passed it on to his son, Donald Unger. In 1963 Donald bought the "Rust Monument Company".
Later, A. Dale and James N. Rust became the sole owners of the company. After Donald Unger bought "The Rust Monument Company" from A. Dale Rust, he merged it with the "Unger Granite Works" and moved the company from 421 Fourth Street to its current location at 2421 East Tenth Street.
Since the 1960's the company has produced marble, granite, and bronze memorials. At one time, "Rust-Unger Monuments" and its predecessors, also produced marble tabletops, fireplace surrounds, and even windowsills. The company provided commercial and custom sandblasting services into the mid 1940's.
In the mid 1970's, after finishing four years in the United States Navy, another Columbus native, Donald Anderson came to work for Don Unger. Mr. Unger passed on to Don Anderson the fine art of creating beautiful monuments. Donald Anderson learned his craft well and in 1982 he and his wife, Denise, purchased "Rust-Unger Monuments" from the retiring Don Unger. "Rust-Unger Monuments" continues to serve Bartholomew and surrounding counties, and is proud to be a historical part of Columbus, Indiana.
George W. Unger, Michael's son, bought the "Columbus Monument Works" in 1920 and sometime later merged it with the "Unger Monument Company" creating the "Unger Granite Works".
The "Rust Monument Company" was founded in 1928 when three employees left George W. Unger to form "The Rust-McCoy Monument Works". George continued in the business until 1938 when he passed it on to his son, Donald Unger. In 1963 Donald bought the "Rust Monument Company".
Later, A. Dale and James N. Rust became the sole owners of the company. After Donald Unger bought "The Rust Monument Company" from A. Dale Rust, he merged it with the "Unger Granite Works" and moved the company from 421 Fourth Street to its current location at 2421 East Tenth Street.
Since the 1960's the company has produced marble, granite, and bronze memorials. At one time, "Rust-Unger Monuments" and its predecessors, also produced marble tabletops, fireplace surrounds, and even windowsills. The company provided commercial and custom sandblasting services into the mid 1940's.
In the mid 1970's, after finishing four years in the United States Navy, another Columbus native, Donald Anderson came to work for Don Unger. Mr. Unger passed on to Don Anderson the fine art of creating beautiful monuments. Donald Anderson learned his craft well and in 1982 he and his wife, Denise, purchased "Rust-Unger Monuments" from the retiring Don Unger. "Rust-Unger Monuments" continues to serve Bartholomew and surrounding counties, and is proud to be a historical part of Columbus, Indiana.
Rust-McCoy Monument Works, 1934
Rust-Unger Monuments, Today.
