Giuliano Cecchinelli is part of a long legacy of Italian stone carvers in Barre, craftsmen whose skill transformed an industry and made the small central Vermont town the “Granite Capital of the World.”

In the early 20th century, Barre was a booming industry town. Thousands of workers spent their days making monuments. The railroad chugged into town to take them around the country, and stone dust filled the air.

But Barre is no longer the bustling industry town it once was. The granite industry has modernized and consolidated. The flood of immigrants turned into a trickle, and eventually stopped. The Italian sculptors have died, or retired, or moved away. And Giuliano is the only one left.

Read more and see original and historical photos in the web version of this story.

This story was produced by Anna Van Dine, with editing from Mark Davis and Erica Heilman. Digital support from Mike Dougherty and Elodie Reed, with additional assistance from Kari Anderson. Special thanks to Josh Crane, Paige Gherardi Lamthi, Sue Higby, Mary Fregosi, and Scott McLaughlin.