Did You Know Milford's Pink Granite Is In The Smithsonian?

MILFORD, MA—Until a resident spotted this piece at the Smithsonian, the Milford Historical Commission was unaware that a piece of Milford pink granite had made its way there. Likely, many others don't realize it, either.

Milford resident Karen Villani happened to see it displayed at a recent trip, and shared it with readers.

You see, this pink granite is famous, and Milford became famous for it, too.

According to the Milford Historical Commission, Milford pink granite can be found in structures and monuments across the country. Boston, Washington D. C., New York, Ohio and many other cities as well as Milford have buildings that were entirely constructed of Milford Pink granite while others feature monuments, foundations and approaches. Famous architects, such as Charles McKim who built the Boston Public Library, chose the stone for its hardness, fine quality, pink subtle color and “character.”

"Geologist have studied Milford Pink granite and agree that it is among the finest granites," said the commission.

"I felt so much pride that Milford’s rich history was part of a notable collection and being recognized for its value at such a highly reputable," Villani told Patch.

Miford pink granite is also known just as Milford granite or Milford pink and is a proterozoic igneous rock found in and around the town. The town became famous for the rock between 1870 and 1940, and was "discovered" by two brothers, James and William Sherman at Rocky Woods, according to Wikipedia. Reportedly, more than 1,000 men pulled the precious pink from quarries in Milford and also Hopkinton.

The granite is still quarried by Fletcher Granite Company in Hopkinton.

Photo Credit: Karen Villani