March 18, 2024
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Checking Out Barre, VT – The Granite Capital of Vermont

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Barre, Vermont is also known as the “Granite Capital” of the world

Barre Vermont
Barre Vermont – Courtesy of Wikimedia

Barre (pronounced as “Barry”), VT is a city in Washington County, central Vermont; settled in the late 18th century, incorporated as a city in 1894. The city is located in the center of the state and is known for its granite quarrying and sculpture industries.

It is the processing and commercial center for the surrounding granite-quarrying and agricultural area; major manufactures include granite building stones and novelties, memorials and statues, and machine tools, and mass-transit rail cars are assembled here.

The community is named for Barre, Massachusetts, which was named for the British politician Isaac Barré. Barre is often referred to as the “twin city” with adjacent Montpelier. Barre, VT is well known for it's granite quarries, particularly Rock of Ages, the world's largest granite quarry

The Amazing, Must See Hope Cemetery

Hope Cemetery is also known for its elaborate and ornate grave markers, many of which were created by local sculptors. The cemetery is a popular tourist destination and is often visited by people interested in the history of Barre and Vermont.

It is internationally known for high quality stone and artistry. Barre Gray granite has been used for products since the late 1700's. In the 1800's, Barre was the perfect location for work on monuments due to the coloring and texture of the granite. This attracted hundreds of immigrants to Barre where they were employed as stone cutters. Read the tragic story of Elia Corti.

Visit the Hope Cemetery for spectacular examples of the stonecutter's workmanship. Hope Cemetery was established in 1895 and originally contained 53 acres. Since that time it has expanded to a total of 65 acres. Edward P. Adams, a nationally known landscape architect, created the original plan for the cemetery.

Hope Cemetery is a Stone Cutter's Work of Extraordinary Art

Hope Cemetery, located in Barre, is a historic cemetery that was established in the late 19th century. It is known for its beautiful grounds and the many granite monuments and sculptures that can be found there. Many of the sculptures were created by local artists, and the cemetery is considered an important artistic and cultural landmark in the region.

Hope Cemetery Bored Angel
Hope Cemetery Bored Angel Monument

The cemetery was established in 1887 and was named for the town's founding father, Ethan Allen Hope. It is located on the east side of Barre and is home to over 10,000 graves, including those of many notable figures from the area's history. Some of the notable people buried at Hope Cemetery include Civil War veterans, local politicians, and prominent business leaders.

What Are Some Other Interesting Towns to Visit in the Northeast Kingdom?

If you're looking for more intriguing towns to explore in the Northeast Kingdom, be sure to check out this article about Vermont. This region offers a myriad of unique destinations, such as St. Johnsbury, known for its stunning Athenaeum and Fairbanks Museum, or charming Burke with its majestic Burke Mountain.

What recreation and things to do are in Barre, Vermont?

Barre, Vermont is a small city located in the heart of the state, and it offers a range of recreational activities and things to do for visitors and residents alike. Some popular options include:

Hiking and outdoor activities: The surrounding area is home to a number of hiking and walking trails, including the Barre Town Forest and the Bucklin Trail. The region is also popular for mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Cultural attractions: Barre is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Vermont History Museum and the Barre Opera House. The city is also home to several art galleries and studios, featuring the work of local artists.

Granite quarries: Barre is known for its granite quarrying industry, and visitors can take tours of the Rock of Ages quarry to learn more about the process and see the granite being extracted.

Shopping and dining: Barre has a variety of shopping and dining options, including local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants featuring a range of cuisines.

Sporting events: The city is home to a number of sports teams and facilities, including the Barre Auditorium, where visitors can watch local hockey and basketball games.

Overall, Barre offers a range of recreational activities and cultural attractions for visitors and residents to enjoy.

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