Quincy Quarries Reservation

Ricciuti Drive, West Quincy (617) 727-4573 or (617) 698-1802 open dawn to dusk

It was here in West Quincy that America's large scale granite quarrying industry was born in 1825 when, after an exhaustive search throughout New England, Solomon Willard selected the area as the source of stone for the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. With his development of the revolutionary construction techniques that made hard Quincy granite a practical building stone, Willard earned the title "Father of the Granite Industry". The Granite Railway, a Civil Engineering Landmark, was established in 1826. It was designed and constructed by railway pioneer Gridley Bryant, and many of his inventions are still in use today. Quincy became known nationwide as "The Granite City". The last active quarry closed in 1963; in 1985, the then Metropolitan District Commission purchased 22 acres including Granite Railway Quarry. Trail connections to the Blue Hills Reservation are protected by recent parkland purchases.

Special Programs
DCR Park Rangers offer programs year-round which highlight the rich history and natural resources of this unique area. The Friends of the Blue Hills Reservations operates the Quarry Granite Rock Climbing Museum. For more information call (617) 326-0079.

Recreational Opportunities
Hiking, Picnic Area, Rock Climbing, Scenic Viewing.

Directions:
MBTA: Red Line to Quincy Center, take MBTA bus #215 to Copeland and Willard Streets, turn left on Willard, cross under the Expressway and take the first right onto Ricciuti Drive. Quarries are 1/4 mile on the right.

By Car: Route 93 (Southwest Expressway) to Furnace Brook Parkway (Exit 8) follow signs to Willard Street and cross under Route 93. Take the first right onto Ricciuti Drive at Mr. Tux. Quarries are 1/4 mile on the right.