Enjoy a guided tour of Halibut Point State Park around the Babson Farm Quarry, unearthing the granite industry era followed by a traditional hand-tool stone splitting demonstration. Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now cascade from rocky headlands to the abundant tidal pools below. The panorama encompasses views from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. This glorious natural landscape is breathtaking and inspiring.
Starting in the 1840s, granite began to be quarried from the area around Halibut Point, first primarily along the coast on a small scale and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm Quarry and expanded its operation. The Park Interpreter will utilize various locations on the trail and around quarry to explain how granite was quarried. Specific lessons include the splitting of granite with traditional quarry tools.
- Meet at the Visitors Center in the park.
- For all ages.
- Rain or shine, pouring rain cancels.
When:
Sundays 1:30-2:30pm
Saturdays 10-11am
Location:
Prices:
FREE
Phone:
978.546.2997
Email:
Link(s):
