
Northwest Boundary Stone 8
- Home
- Northwest Boundary Stone 8
Northwest Boundary Stone 8 - 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." 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. (Wording from www.boundarystones.org)
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 Col. John Donelson Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1916
Funded By:
Maintenance assistance for renovation, installation, and repair of protective cages is managed by Judge Lynn 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
Explore District Of Columbia
Select a State to Explore our Historic Properties
Directions and application forms can be found on this page or in the Forms section of the DAR members' website.