[2][3] By 1895, skilled artisans from around the world, especially Italy, emigrated to Barre to participate in the booming granite industry.

[citation needed] Silicosis, a respiratory disease caused by granite dust, was common among the artisans and sculptors who were breathing it in every day, which led to an abnormally high death rate.

[3] Knowing that death was imminent and possibly around the corner, many sculptors were given to designing their own tombstones to showcase their skill.

[4] Hope Cemetery has since grown in size to 65 acres (26 ha),[5] and there are more than 10,000 tombstones and memorials located inside.

[6] The cemetery is a common tourist destination, and has been referred to as a "'Museum' of granite sculpture,"[7] the "Uffizi of Necropolises", by Vermont folklorist Joseph A. Citro,[8] a "Gallery of granite artistry,"[9] a "sculpture garden"[9] and a "Huge outdoor museum.