Portland Brownstone Quarry Simulator
NGSS HS-ESS3-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
Located across the Connecticut River from Middletown, CT, the Portland Brownstone Quarries provided building material for iconic structures in New York City, Boston, and beyond. In this simulation, manage extraction rates, workforce, and transportation while navigating the ever-present hazard of river flooding (which famously halted major operations in 1938).
Resource Dashboard
Management Actions
Flood Risk Level
Low Risk. Mining deep increases risk of river breach.
Portland Quarry Map
Instructions: Click brownstone blocks to mark them for extraction. The deeper you mine (closer to the river), the higher the risk of a flood event during the year.
Historical Impact Analysis
Observe how the local population (workforce) and wealth fluctuate based on the availability of the resource and the impact of natural hazards (flooding).