The Purpose of a Monument  A monument is an important part of our way of life and is a reflection of the love you shared with your loved one. It should not reflect sorrow but celebrate the warmth and affection for life. It can inspire faith and hope for the living, and speak out as a voice to generations yet to come.

We at Charlestown Monument Co., Inc. dedicate these memorials to honor and express that love. We are grateful to have the privilege to design a monument worthy to represent that love. We believe that each individual is unique and special and that one's monument should reflect those qualities. Each memorial is made from the finest granite, and is guaranteed to last for centuries. We take special pride in our craftsmanship, and can custom design one specially for you.

Tips on Selecting a Memorial
This web page is intended to help give you some ideas and explain some of the possibilities when selecting a memorial. When selecting a memorial there are three main factors to consider: (1) material, (2) style, and (3) design.

1) When choosing the material you need to consider quality, appearance and price. Granite is the best material suited for monuments because it is extremely hard, does not corrode and will last for centuries. Granite is available in several colors, however, some granites, usually the lighter colors, may be more susceptible to staining than others. Nevertheless, the granite's color gives the memorial a unique appearance. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the look you want. Since the color will affect the price, consideration should be given here as well.

2) The style of a monument refers to the shape, size, and finish of the stone. Granite can be made into any size, shape and finish you request. As a result, these factors will change the feel and appearance of the monument as well as the price. For example, straight polished ends have a very formal appeal while curved "rock pitched" ends has a casual feel. The most common styles include: flush and bevel markers, slants, horizontal and upright tablets, monoliths, and colonnades. In addition, the stone can also be carved into unique or symbolic shapes such as a heart, shamrock or cross. Consequently, the style of you memorial may be subject to your cemeteries rules, so it is always a good idea to check this thoroughly.

3) The final step is the design. This usually consists of the layout for the names, dates, and other information and may include a decorative pattern perhaps incorporating some symbolism. Other design options may include verses, epitaphs, portraits, photographs, sceneries, hobbies and special interest, or achievements. While we have several designs to choose from, you are not limited to these. You may choose to customize a design and there is no additional charge for this service. Since the style of your monument will have a major affect on the design, certain designs are better suited for certain styles. For this reason, we always generate a draft of your memorial so you may see exactly what it will look like before it is actually made. You will have the opportunity to make any changes you prefer at this time to ensure that you  are completely satisfied with your decision.