8
In the year 1920-1 these rails were removed and two lines of steel channels substituted. At the present time auto trucks capable of carrying a load of 25 tons, are operated in these channels by a heavy “Mine Hoist” located at the head of the incline. The power being compressed Air generated at the central station located on the westerly side of the lower yard level.
At the foot of the incline were erected the obelisks here shown. On the one at the left is a bronze tablet on which is a bas relief reproduction of the ancient car used in 1826 on the Granite Railway. On the face of the obelisk at the right is a tablet bearing the following inscription.
Granite Railway Bas Relief Obelisk at Incline
"This gateway marks the foot of the old incline a part of the Granite Railway. The Idea of this railway was conceived and carried out by Gridley Bryant in the face of great opposition, but supported by Thomas Handasyde Perkins to transport the stone for Bunker Hill Monument from the quarry to the tide water in the Neponset River, a distance of two and three quarters miles. Work was begun April 1, 1826 and the completed railway was opened October 7, 1826."
Erected by the Granite Railway Co. 1921
Looking down the incline. At the left is seen the modern rail now in use as above described. At the right is the ancient construction, the granite stringer capped with iron, and in the center is a space left for the free run of the cable used; and at intervals along the incline are placed the iron wheels in which the cable rested. It is recorded that soon after the installation of this ancient tramway, a party of gentlemen were invited to ride up the incline in one of these cars, upon a tour of inspection. During the trip the cable parted causing the car to descend rapidly, killing one of the party and several others were severely injured. This is probably the earliest account of any railroad accident in the United States.
Loaded truck at head of incline preparing to descend.
The yard and buildings about 25 years ago at the Granite Railway Plant.
