Westerly in Washington County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Granite Industry
Artist- Manfred Didier, Germany
September 2017
— Bricks and Murals —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
1. Granite Industry Marker
The Westerly granite industry began in 1846, when Orlando Smith discovered a granite outcrop on his farm. After the Civil War, the Westerly granite industry flourished due to the demand for high quality granite for monuments. This demand attracted skilled workers, including designers, cutters, and draftsmen, to Westerly from Europe and across the United States.
[From the mural itself:]
The Smith Granite Co.
of Westerly R.I.
Monumental Designers & Sculptors
Established 1846
Incorporated 1887
Monuments, Headstones, Statuary and Mausoleums
All kinds of cemetery work in their original Westerly Granite.
History 1830 - Orlando Smith starts stone masonry in Pawcatuck, CT.
1845 - O. Smith purchases Babcock property.
1859 - O. Smith dies at 45 his widow Emeline takes over.
1875 - RI Granite Works is now New England Granite.
1907 - Coduri & Marzoll Granite Company established.
1925 - Smith Granite Co. buys New England Granite quarries.
1930 - Bonner Monument Company established.
1933 - Buzzi Memorials established.
[Captions:]
The
this page online
26t lower course stone at Coduri Granite for Andrus Mausoleum in Valhalla.
Organized March 11, 1817
Erected 2017 by Bricks and Murals, sponsored by The Malted Barley, Westerly, RI.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical date for this entry is March 11, 1817.
Location. 41° 22.729′ N, 71° 49.797′ W. Marker is in Westerly, Rhode Island, in Washington County. Marker is on High Street south of Canal Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39 High Street, Westerly RI 02891, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Commercial Block (a few steps from this marker); Westerly Band (a few steps from this marker); South County Public Service Co. Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Coy House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mrs. Wilcox & Her Park (about 300 feet away); Comfort Station (about 400 feet away); Bandstand (about 400 feet away); Wilcox Pond (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westerly.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
2. Granite Industry
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
