Montello granite was once Montello's leading industry, employing approximately 200 people and becoming known for paving blocks used on streets in several cities, crushed granite for various uses, and especially for its hard, beautiful monuments. Granite from this quarry was chosen for Grant's Tomb after 280 other samples from around the world showed Montello granite to be the strongest and finest. The larger quarry hole is approximately 150 feet deep, and a small test hole drilled by the University of Wisconsin more than 900 feet deep still found the same granite. A Catholic church once stood on the protruding granite before being removed when mining began. The Troost family were part-owners and operators of the quarry for four generations. After the quarry was judged no longer efficient to operate, it was closed and sold to Irv Daggett in 1977. He later sold parcels where the water tower, post office, and Kwik Trip now stand, gave the city the parcel in front of the two falls, and in 1992 supervised and paid for construction of the four falls that flow year-round, while the city paid for the electricity to pump the water. Ten acres including the five waterfalls, the nativity scene, and the small church that plays religious music is being deeded annually in part to a charitable trust in hopes it will remain the same.