Westerly Granite, quarried in Westerly, Rhode Island, was the "gold standard."

Based on the book "Built from Stone: The Westerly Granite Story," CARVED FROM STONE: LEGACY OF A GRANITE TOWN shows Westerly granite as the "gold standard," with hundreds of blacksmiths, carvers, stonemasons, and other craftsmen brought from Europe to ply their artistry, each contributing to the reputation of the beauty of the work and the durability of the stone.