Barre is located in
Washington County, five miles southeast of
Montpelier, the state capital, along Highway 302 near
Goddard College.
Barre was settled in 1788 and named Barre in honor of Barre, Massachusets. It was incorporated in 1894.
Since 1900, Barre has been the largest granite-producing district in the country. Barre granite is known for its almost flawless texture.
The Robert Burns Memorial at 60 Washington Street is considered to be one of the finest pieces of granite sculpture in the world.
The Rock of Ages Visitors Center conducts narrated tours of its quarrying operations - the world's largest dimension granite quarries. The center features geological displays and fine-quality granite gifts.
