Barre, Vermont, Granite, Rugo Stone LLC

1. Quick History of Barre,
Vermont, Granite Industry
Rugo Stone LLC

2. Quick History of Barre, Vermont,
Granite Industry
Brett Rugo, owner of Rugo Stone LLC, was
introduced to the granite and stone industry at an
early age while growing up in Barre, Vermont. With
a history stretching back to just after the War of
1812, the Rugo Stone founder’s hometown had
once been called the “granite capital of the world.”

3. Quick History of Barre, Vermont,
Granite Industry
The first commercial production of granite is
attributed to Robert Parker, who established
Vermont’s stone industry upon returning from the
War of 1812. As the young country expanded, the
demand for monuments, statues, and memorials
grew to recognize the fledgling history and the need
for granite was ignited.

4. Quick History of Barre, Vermont,
Granite Industry
As professional stone workers from Europe, and in
particular Italy and Scotland, came to the United
States, they found their way to Barre and the
center of the American granite works. By 1900,
over 60 corporations were involved in mining
throughout the state.

5. Quick History of Barre, Vermont,
Granite Industry
Although modern imported granite has overtaken
much of the business once seen in Vermont, Barre-
produced white granite is still exported from the
area and the tradition continues with a handful of
businesses continuing to operate within the area.