Granite has been a primary source of income for Westford. This igneous rock forms from magma and can be found in various places, such as mailboxes, benches, and the town’s cobblestone streets. Granite has also been used to create monuments, including obelisks, which require great precision, as any mistake can compromise the entire structure.
Granite quarried in Westford has been distributed as far as Boston. The job of quarrying granite was dangerous, involving risks of perilous falls and health hazards from inhaling or getting granite dust in the eyes. The granite was extracted by hammering shims into the rock and using wedges to split it apart.
Different types of granite are named after the towns and regions where they are quarried. For instance, Chelmsford Granite was extracted in Westford but was named after Chelmsford because Westford had not yet established itself as a town. The quarrying and distribution of granite played a crucial role in the construction of Westford, providing income for the town and strong materials used in many of its homes.
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What is Quarrying?