In 1762, Deacon Ezra Brainerd began quarry operations and sent granite blocks down the hill to the Connecticut River where ships sailed the stone to New York, Philadelphia, Virginia and New Orleans.

Hurd State Park in East Hampton, Conn., winds along the Connecticut River. Contributed photo Hurd State Park in East Hampton, Conn., is among the 50 hikes listed in a new book.

Chateau-sur-Mer on Bellevue Avenue in Newport was built with Fall River granite. Beattie’s Ledge boasted the best and most granite in the city. The late Mary Gifford, ...