This path was built in the Meiji Period. Why were the cobblestones repaved in the Meiji Period?

One day in the Meiji Period, fishermen had a successful haul of tuna in the nearby sea. However, a brawl erupted as they fought to protect their fishing shares. They were sentenced by the local magistrates to lay out stones for the Matsumoto-toge Pass instead of being jailed.

These cobblestones were made over 150 years ago, but you can tell the difference between those from the Meiji Period and those from the Edo Period. Due to more advanced processing technology, the Meiji stones have a smoother surface that inhibits moss growth. On the other hand, the stones from the Edo period are much rougher, which resulted in them being densely covered in moss.