Maine led the nation in production in 1901 but by the 1920s there was little business left not because the resource was exhausted but because portland cement and concrete and steel and.
Maine island exporter of granite.
The small granite building that now houses the hamlin memorial library was built in 1822 to house the oxford county jail.
Granite quarrying began on crotch island in the early 1870s and by the turn of the century about 250 workers lived on the island said clayton gross a local historian and weekly newspaper.
The many rooms walls and arches of fort knox in bucksport were constructed of maine granite in 1832.
The largest quarry is on the.
The quarries were largely on islands and transport by water was efficient and easy.
After the mining operations and periodic post mining use of the buildings ceased circa 1914 the island was once again abandoned.
Maine granite was of good quality but most importantly it was cheap.
For many years the residents of bailey island maine advocated that a bridge be built to connect their island with orr s island.
Augustus choate hamlin a nephew of hannibal hamlin purchased the old jail and in 1902 deeded it to the paris hill library association to be a library and museum.
If you re interested in increasing your understanding of the nature of acadia mount desert island this provides a good foundation literally.
Not just because the site was close to coastal quarries.
It was a very important industry here.
Contributed by the maine granite industry historical society.
We are conveniently located in southeastern massachusetts and supply landscape architects landscape designers contractors and builders throughout massachusetts rhode island.
We have over 20 acres of all types of granite available at wholesale prices for use in hardscape and landscape construction projects.
Dix island granite company ca 1880.
The photos provide impressive evidence of where maine granite has been used in building projects throughout the u s.
The industry was a significant element in the maine economy from the mid 19th century to the mid 20 century.
The proprietor director steve really has a passion and knowledge for granite.
From 1899 1902 one of the bodwell granite company s vinalhaven quarries provided eight columns for new york s.
Maine granite was used for lighthouses cemetery stones paving blocks curbstones bridges breakwaters breakwater a wall or other structure designed to protect a harbor or anchorage from the waves of the open sea and monuments.
And europe for its strength size and beauty said steve haynes director of the maine granite industry historical society on mount desert island.
In 1895 there were 153 active granite quarries in maine maine s quarries produced granite for buildings and roads bridges and walls.
The town of harpswell maine which encompasses both islands turned down the request however when the maine legislature drafted a law allowing the state and counties to fund bridge construction a plan emerged to build such a bridge.
According to the maine geological survey by the late 1800s the industry was thriving along midcoast maine and on some of the offshore islands.
