Northwest Boundary Stone 5

	Northwest Boundary Stone 5 - Quick Facts
HSP Category	Landmark
Period	1791-1792
HSP Style	Landmark
Construction	Stone
Original Use	Boundary Stone of Washington D.C.
Present Use	Boundary Stone of Washington D.C.

Historical Significance:

"The boundary stones are the oldest federal monuments. The Residence Act of July 16, 1790, as amended March 3, 1791, authorized President George Washington to select a 100-square-mile site for the national capital on the Potomac River between Alexandria, Virginia, and Williamsport, Maryland. President Washington selected the southernmost location within these limits, so that the capital would include all of present-day Old Town Alexandria, then one of the four busiest ports in the country. Acting on instructions from Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Major Andrew Ellicott began surveying the ten-mile square on February 12, 1791. In 1915 the District of Columbia Chapters adopted the Boundary Stones, acquired deeds from the property owners to install a footing for the iron protective fences." (Wording from www.boundarystones.org)

They had identical fences designed and installed and finally in 1916/1917 dedication ceremonies took place to mark each stone with a plaque with the name of the Chapter who agreed to be its steward.

Starting from Westmoreland Circle, travel south on Delacarlia Parkway until the road crosses over a creek near Warren Place. Follow the creek west into the forest. After some time, the creek and the chain link fence run parallel to each other. When the fence crosses over the creek, the concrete culvert is easily visible within the fenced area. Shortly before the crossover, there once was a large hole cut into the fence. The stone is several hundred feet south of this hole, over the crest of the hill and too deep into the forest to see from outside the fenced area. Unfortunately, entering through the hole constitutes trespassing on federal property. Thankfully, it is possible to schedule a visit to the stone during normal business hours by calling the Army Corps of Engineers.

Acknowledgements: The Dolley Madison Chapter has been the continuous steward of this stone since 1916.

Form Submitted By: District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution 01/08/2013

Designations:

National Register of Historical Places

Historic Marker:

Marker Organization: D.C. DAR
Marker Date: 1916
Marker Text: Original Federal Boundary Stone 1791-1792 Protected by Dolley Madison Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1916

Funded By:

Maintenance assistance for renovation, installation, and repair of protective cages is managed by Dolley Madison Chapter, D.C. DAR and original Boundary Stones are managed by the D.C. DAR Historic Preservation Committee.

Information for the Visitors:

What you need to know if interested in visiting this destination:

Condition of Property: Preserve
Open to the Public? Yes
Public Fee: None
Public Hours: Daylight hours
Is it Family Friendly? Yes

Select a State to Explore our Historic Properties

Units Overseas

Directions and application forms can be found on this page or in the Forms section of the DAR members' website.

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