Barre is most famous for being the self pro-claimed “Granite Capital of the World” from the abundance of "Barre Gray" granite. With the establishment of the railroad in the 1870's Barre become an economic growth center with immigrants from around the world flocking to Barre for a more prosperous life. At around of the turn of the twentieth century, Barre was the melting pot of Vermont and home to some of the best quarry men and stone carvers in the world. In 1903, a granite sculptor, Elia Corti, was fatally shot at a meeting between the socialists and anarchists at the Socialist Labor Party Hall. You can find Corti's iconic monument in Hope Cemetery. Over a period of 40 years whole neighborhoods were built and segregated by ethnic groups who carried on their old world traditions and culture.

 

Today, you can see the lasting mark of the granite industry on the community in the architectural design of many downtown buildings and granite sculptures and memorials. Like many small communities throughout America, Barre boomed until the late 20th century when globalization began to affect, significantly, the local economy. However, in recent years, Barre has benefited from a resurgence of economic activity driven by significant municipal and private redevelopment projects along with an influx of younger entrepreneurs. Barre's housing market and its affordability coupled with being centrally located within the state of Vermont has contributed to further growth. 

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Next time you're in Barre make sure to check out some of the community's cultural institutions and entertainment options listed below.