Griffith Quarry

Griffith Quarry, a registered California Historical Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was a former granite quarry near Penryn, California.[2][3]

Griffith Quarry
View of the dig-site at Griffith Quarry
LocationPenryn, California
Coordinates38°51′4.07″N 121°9′51.98″W
Area22 acres (8.9 ha)
Built1864
NRHP reference No.77000322[1]
CHISL No.885
Added to NRHPOctober 20, 1977

History

The quarry was established by Griffith Griffith, a native of Wales, in 1864. The quarry produced high-quality granite used to construct many buildings in San Francisco and Sacramento, including parts of the California State Capitol.[3] The 23 acres (9.3 ha) that surround the 2-story building, made of granite blocks, are the remains of the quarry and its polishing mill.[2] This mill was the first successful granite polishing mill in California.[3]

The office of Penryn Granite Works, which ran the quarry,[4] is now the Griffith Quarry Museum that contains history about the site as well as other local history. Some of the original furniture of the Griffith Quarry is intact.[2]

Recreation

Dirt walking trails can be found throughout the 23-acre park. These trails take visitors through the ruins of the polishing mill and some of the quarry holes from which granite was taken. Printed trail guides are available in the museum.[5]

See also

References


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