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.
Maine granite was known across the u s.
We have over 20 acres of all types of granite available at wholesale prices for use in hardscape and landscape construction projects.
Contributed by the maine granite industry historical society.
The largest quarry is on the.
For many years the residents of bailey island maine advocated that a bridge be built to connect their island with orr s island.
The proprietor director steve really has a passion and knowledge for granite.
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.
If you re interested in increasing your understanding of the nature of acadia mount desert island this provides a good foundation literally.
The photos provide impressive evidence of where maine granite has been used in building projects throughout the u s.
Maine granite was of good quality but most importantly it was cheap.
Not just because the site was close to coastal quarries.
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.
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.
It was a very important industry here.
From 1899 1902 one of the bodwell granite company s vinalhaven quarries provided eight columns for new york s.
Some of the unique features on the island include three water filled quarry pits.
The small granite building that now houses the hamlin memorial library was built in 1822 to house the oxford county jail.
The industry was a significant element in the maine economy from the mid 19th century to the mid 20 century.
After the mining operations and periodic post mining use of the buildings ceased circa 1914 the island was once again abandoned.
Dix island granite company ca 1880.
The quarries were largely on islands and transport by water was efficient and easy.
In 1895 there were 153 active granite quarries in maine maine s quarries produced granite for buildings and roads bridges and walls.
We specialize in vintage granite reclaimed from old structures of new england.
The many rooms walls and arches of fort knox in bucksport were constructed of maine granite in 1832.
According to the maine geological survey by the late 1800s the industry was thriving along midcoast maine and on some of the offshore islands.
