Granite Railway

The Granite Railway is a decommissioned railway line in Quincy that once transported stone blocks from quarries to the harbor for shipment. The route originally relied on horse-drawn cars running on iron rails across the landscape.

The line opened in 1826 and was one of the earliest railways in America. It demonstrated that rail transport could efficiently move heavy cargo over distance, influencing future transportation development.

The site is spread across the Quincy area and most of the original track bed is no longer visible or accessible by foot. Markers and historical signs at key locations help visitors understand where the railway once ran.

This railway was among the first to test steam locomotive power in America, marking an early breakthrough in mechanized transport. The success helped spark the rapid expansion of rail networks across the country.

Location: Quincy

Inception: 1826

GPS coordinates: 42.23972,-71.03250

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:27