The historic limestone quarry on Green Head Island in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Lime, or quicklime, is produced from carbonate sedimentary rocks like limestone. Lime is then used for a variety of purposes in building construction, agriculture, medicine, steel manufacture, and paper-making. By the 19th century, manufacture of lime for mortar and plaster was a significant part of the economy in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Amongst the many quarries and kilns, the operation at Green Head Cove on Green Head Island was among the industry leaders. The Green Head quarry was probably used in the early 1700s or earlier. For many of its busiest years during the 1800s, the quarry was operated by Joseph and Frank Armstrong and was well known throughout the Maritimes and New England as a producer of a high quality product. Joseph Armstrong was referred to in contemporary newspaper stories as a pioneer in the New Brunswick lime industry. The Green Head quarry ceased production in the early 20th century and the site on Green Head Island now preserves the last vestiges and perhaps best example of this once thriving industry.