Barre's Rich and Diverse Cultural Heritage

With the arrival of rail in Barre in 1875, the dream of efficient, cost-effective transportation of Barre's granite was realized and the Barre granite industry exploded as national markets opened. The last quarter of the 19^th Century witnessed the immigration of thousands of workers seeking jobs in Barre's cavernous quarries and bustling granite sheds (factories). The population of Barre grew from 2,000 in 1880 to over 12,000 by 1910.

People came to Barre from many countries, including Scotland, Italy, Norway, Finland and Spain. French-speaking peoples came by way of Canada. Each nationality's social culture, political ideologies and cuisine mingled with the then-established Yankee traditions, adding to the cultural diversity of Barre. Soon this tiny Vermont hamlet was transformed into a burgeoning city of industry.

Today Barre's residents continue to enjoy their heritage as evidenced by the Mutuo Club and the Canadian Club. Granite statues in Barre's downtown district pay homage to the Scottish poet Robert Burns and the Italian sculptor/visionary Carlo Abate.

We invite you to visit Rock of Ages while in Central Vermont. Come tour our mammoth quarry and observe the artisans in our factory. Experience firsthand the industry that ignited Barre's growth. Explore our computer kiosks to learn more about Barre's rich cultural history. Then join us in the sandblast room to make a little family history of your own as you cut a design into granite and leave with a stone gift made by your very own hands!