(Page 4 of 17) Print Version
Granite quarries became more popular in Biddeford during the Civil War. Several quarries opened during this period to include, the Andrews Quarries, Ricker Quarry, and the Gowen Emmons Quarry. Biddeford’s granite and slate cutting was a crucial part of their economy and even helped support the build of the Western Railroad in 1872. Andrews Quarry saw great success in 1886 when James Andrews and Sons began a contract for the New York Harlem Bridge and a bridge in Philadelphia to provide 25,000 yards of stone to New York and 600 for Philadelphia.