The Art of Splitting Stone
Early Rock Quarrying Methods in Pre-Industrial New England 1630-1825

New 3rd Edition 2022

By Mary Gage & James Gage

The Art of Splitting Stone is a detailed study of the history, tools, and methods used to split, hoist, and transport quarried stone in pre-industrial New England (1630-1825). It is an invaluable resource for historians, archaeologists, and stone masons interested in identifying and dating early stone splitting and quarrying methods. The amateur researcher and avid outdoors person will find the book useful as a field guide to identifying split boulders and stone quarries abandoned in the woods.

Trade Paperback, 229 pp. 163 illustrations. 8 ½ x 11 in.
ISBN 978-1-7338057-2-8
$16.00

Available from Publisher www.PowwowRiverBooks.com
Available from Amazon.com

Stone Quarrying Webpages

Quarry Tools

Quarrying Methods

Types of Quarries

Transportation

Hoisting

Sawing Stone

Table of Contents

Introduction
Types of Quarries
   Boulder Field Quarry
   Surface Ledge Quarry
   Hillside Quarry
   Deep Pit Quarry
Stone Splitting Methods
   Fire Methods
   Tracing Method
   Pry and Wedge Method
   Channeling Method
   Broach Channeling
   Wedging Method (with Wedge Holes / Notches)
   Wedging Method (with V Groove)
   Flat Wedge Hole Methods
      Flat Wedge Method: Hand Version (1800 to 1860s)
      Flat Wedge Method: Machine Version (Post-1860)
      Flat Wedge Method: Rock Hammer Version (1868)
   Round Holes: Tools & Drilling Techniques
   Blast Holes (Europe & England)
   Blast Holes (United States/New England)
   Plug and Feather Methods (Round Holes)
      Plug and Feather Method: Bartram’s Double Wedge Version (1730-1757)
      Plug and Feather Method: British Miner’s Version (pre-1770)
      Plug and Feather Method: Farmer’s Version (1790-1820)
      Plug and Feather: Commercial Version (c.1818-Present)
      Plug and Feather: Known Variants
Triangular Holes
Pentagonal and Star Holes
Sawing Stone
Columns (Lathe Turned)
Hoisting
   I. Superstructure
      Gin Pole
      Jib Crane (or Post Crane)
      Tripod (or Triangle)
      Shear Crane (or Shear Pole)
      Moveable Shear Crane
      Stevenson Moveable Beam Crane (1808 - 1811)
      The Holmes Derrick (1825-Present)
   II. Lifting Devices
      Lewis (Lifting Device) and Lewis Hole
      Compression / Hoisting / Quarry / Lifting Tongs
      Chain Dogs
      Cable or Chain
   III. Winches
   IV. Power Source
      Transportation
      Stone Boat / Sledge
      Carts and Wagons
      Railroad
Miscellaneous Quarry Hardware & Other Equipment
Conclusion
Appendix A – Stone Buildings in Eastern Massachusetts: 1630 - 1826
Appendix B – Glossary of Geology Terms
Appendix C – Wooden Wedge Method
Appendix D – Origins and Early Use of the Term “Plug and Feathers”
Appendix E – Expanding Ice Method
Appendix F – Miscellaneous References to Stone Quarrying (Pre-1825)
Appendix G – 1820 Account (pre-1716 blasting tools)
Appendix H – Additional Materials on the Wedge Method from International Sources
Bibliography