Bodwell: King of the “Granite Ring” 1852-1922

by Dumont, Aaron

The purpose of this thesis is to bring to light the events that lead to the decline of the granite industry on Vinalhaven. For years historians have blamed the decline of the granite industry on concrete, structural steel, failure to modernize, and the change in Architectural styles. However, the demise of the granite industry in Maine is much more complex. Little has been written about the development of the railroads, and the limestone industry, which played a significant role in eroding the market for granite.