Granite, Virginia facts for kids
Granite was a small, unnamed community in Chesterfield County, Virginia. It was once found along the Richmond and Danville Railroad. This spot was about five miles west of Manchester. It was also about a mile south of the fast-flowing parts of the James River, near Powhite Creek. Most of the Granite area in Chesterfield County became part of the city of Richmond on January 1, 1970.
Contents
What was the Granite Community?
Granite was named for the hard, natural rock called granite. This rock is found under the fast-flowing parts of the James River. These rapids are where the land drops sharply, known as the fall line. Quarries, which are places where stone is dug out, were set up on both sides of the river. These quarries were the main reason the community existed.
How was Granite used?
The granite stone dug from nearby quarries was very important. It was used to build the State, War and Navy building in Washington, D.C.. This strong stone also made the 3-foot thick walls of Richmond's Gothic City Hall. That building was finished in 1894. Some quarrying, or stone digging, had been happening in this area since the early 1700s.
Who lived in Granite?
Many people who were descendants of slaves lived in Granite. They provided much of the labor for the nearby quarries. Black churches were built in the community. Today, only a few signs remain that show the town and its past residents existed. Over time, new roads and homes were built. This growth from the expanding City of Richmond led to changes. Many residents were displaced by new suburbs like Stratford Hills and Southampton.
What quarries operated near Granite?
Several quarries and companies worked near Granite. A book from 1907 called Mineral Resources of Virginia listed them. These included:
- Granite Development Company Quarry
- Hawkins Quarry
- Krim Quarries
- McIntosh Quarries
- Middendorf Quarries
- Netherwood Quarries
- Old Dominion Granite Company's quarries
In 1907, Granite Station was on the Southern Railway. This railway took over from the Richmond and Danville Railroad. The McIntosh Quarry even had its own special track. Stone from the McIntosh Quarry was used to build the steps and entrances for the Virginia State Capitol. This building had just been updated and expanded between 1904 and 1906.
How did Granite become part of Richmond?
In 1910, Manchester joined with Richmond. The combined city then grew very quickly. Soon, Granite was no longer a far-off place. After World War II, new streets and homes were built around the Granite area. As suburbs grew, Granite lost its unique identity. A part of today's Forest Hill Avenue was once called Granite Road. It stretched from Westover Hills into Chesterfield County, ending at Bon Air.
Most of the Granite area in Chesterfield County became part of the city of Richmond on January 1, 1970. Today, neighborhoods in that area include Granite Acres and Willow Oaks. Nearby, Netherwood Drive was named after a former quarry at its western end. Since 1959, the Granite Recreation Corporation has been located where the Granite Development Company Quarry once stood.
Images for kids
-
In 1895, Granite was located on the Southern Railway about 5 miles west of Manchester and 3 miles east of Bon Air in Chesterfield County, Virginia
