Bi-Weekly Newsletter

9/28/2024

Moyle’s Quarry

While it’s technically in the town of Sharon, it is also within the bounds of Borderland State Park, so worthy of a newsletter. Moyle’s Quarry is a historic landmark and the source of granite for the façade of the Canton viaduct (1835) that was built for the Boston and Providence railway. The viaduct is still in use today, providing high-speed passenger and freight service.

Canton Viaduct.

It was one of those warm and dry days of perfect fall weather when I walked to the quarry. I entered the woods and the Park at the place where Northwest Trail meets Massapoag Ave. It is possible to park by the side of the road. This area is a relatively remote part of Borderland, so I was surprised to see several hikers and bikers on my walk. Probably due to the lovely weather and the fact that it was a Sunday. For the most part the woods were calm and silent, although occasionally a falling nut or darting chipmunk startled me. I took the Ridge Trail off the Northwest Trail and then followed the Quarry Loop Trail. Soon I saw the old quarry off to my left and it was clearly marked.

You can look down into the quarry from a flat green area beside the trail and walk part way around the largest cut in the earth. As you walk along the loop trail you can see scattered remains of cut or partially cut granite blocks.
According to the Sharon Historical Society the stonecutters were mostly Scottish and the other workmen Irish. Horses and oxen hauled the stone from the quarry to Massapoag Ave. and then to the railroad station near Sharon Heights. From there railroad cars took the stone to the Canton site. Stone from the quarry was also used to build some homes in Sharon.
There are a few different ways to access the quarry; I entered from Massapoag but you access the trails from Mountain Road or the Visitor Center. The Borderland trail map was very helpful. If you go, I hope you enjoy the walk!

Anne Wooster Drury

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