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Within a mile of the City of Mount Airy lies the largest open surface granite quarry in the world. The Moravian Records indicate the site was visited for millstones as early as 1775. This exhibit traces the history of a once "worthless piece of rock" to the industrial giant it became once the railroad arrived in 1888.

Thomas Woodroffe & Sons left Greensboro and followed the railroad to Mount Airy. They purchased the quarry and launched a highly successful business. Many homes, businesses and churches in Mount Airy are built from this magnificent rock.

By the turn of the century, Master Carvers from Europe moved into the area and applied their skills to create intricate carvings into the stone. In fact, the use of white granite became the material of choice for many beautiful buildings and bridges all across America.