An Iconic Beginning
SPRING
MAKING A SPLASH
The influence of Southern Vermont ’ s marble industry remains profoundly evident in Manchester and its surrounding hills and valleys , from the quarry remnants dotting the slopes of Mount Aeolus to the celebrated swimming hole at the former site of the Dorset Quarry . Although the legendary Dorset Quarries largely ceased operations in the early 20th century , visitors can still relish a firsthand glimpse into their historic splendor by indulging in a refreshing dip in Dorset . Every summer , visitors flock to this renowned swimming hole , touted as one of the finest in the state . Once abandoned by the marble industry , the quarry gradually filled with water by the 1920s , fed by both a mountain stream and a natural spring .
Over the past several decades , the colossal , 60-foot-deep swimming hole has emerged as a celebrated destination . Its popularity surged in the advent of
YouTube videos , as well as an accolade bestowed by USA Today , who named it as one of the “ Top 12 Best Swimming Holes .” Photographs fail to capture the quarry ’ s true grandeur . Stretching 120 yards in length , its sheer scale leaves onlookers in awe . The water shines with an indescribably-vibrant blue and green hue , which transitions to a deep , midnight black at its maximum depths . Majestic slabs of marble adorn its periphery while sunbathers bask in the sunlight and swimmers drift leisurely in its cool waters .
In celebration of one of Dorset ’ s most popular natural attractions , we at Manchester Life have partnered with Shawn Harrington , Curator at the Manchester Historical Society , providing a glimpse into the storied past of the Southern Vermont marble industry . While the historic quarries have ceased operations , their legacy remains alive in the hearts of all visitors and proud Vermonters .
An Iconic Beginning
The Dorset Quarry is believed to be the oldest in the United States , with quarrying activities dating back to 1785 . Initially , marble was extracted for small-scale purposes , such as headstones . In the first half of the 19th century , larger blocks began to be shipped out via the Erie Canal and the Hudson River . During its peak , the quarry served as a significant employer , with approximately 30 operational quarries in Dorset . At one point , the community balanced farming and quarrying , with around 400 individuals engaged in each occupation .
Some local structures were constructed using Dorset Marble , although its reach extended far beyond the region . Notable projects sourced from the quarry include the New York Public Library and a prominent building at Harvard Medical School .
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