Why is there a statue of a man holding a jackhammer in Montpelier, Vermont?

In the heart of Montpelier, Vermont’s picturesque capital, stands a curious bronze statue of a man gripping a jackhammer, a tribute to the town's proud granite heritage. Montpelier, nestled amidst the rolling Green Mountains, owes much of its early economic growth to the granite quarries in nearby Barre, known as the "Granite Center of the World." The statue commemorates the tireless workers who shaped raw stone into monuments and memorials that adorn landmarks across the country. Barre granite is especially famous for its durability and fine grain, and it was used to construct iconic structures like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The jackhammer, though seemingly mundane, symbolizes the bridge between human skill and mechanical ingenuity, a nod to the enduring impact of these craftsmen. Locals affectionately call the statue "Joe the Driller," and it has become a quirky stop for travelers seeking a slice of Vermont’s industrial history amid its otherwise pastoral charm.