While doing research on the US's last remaining World War I veteran, Frank Buckles, who is trying to get a National World War I Memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC (a much overdue thank you to that generation), I came across the Zero Mile Stone by the White House.
From Wikipedia:
It was originally intended to be the milestone from which all road distances in the US were determined. It is south of the White House at the north edge of the Ellipse within President's Park.
The two foot square, four foot high monument has a bronze 16-point compass rose and top of it.
The following inscriptions are on the sides:
NORTH-- Zero Milestone
EAST-- Starting point of second transcontinental motor convoy over the Bankhead Highway, June 14, 1920.
SOUTH-- Point from measurement of distances from Washington on highways of the US.
WEST-- Starting point of the first transcontinental motor convoy over the Lincoln Highway, July 7, 1919.
HISTORY
The current Zero Mile Monument was the idea of Good Roads Movement member Dr. S. M. Johnson who was inspired by Ancient Rome's Golden Milestone located in the Forum.
On July 7, 1919 a temporary marker was erected for ther Lincoln Highway Convoy. On June 5, 1920, Congress authorized a permanent one which was dedicated on June 4, 1923.
Next Time in DC, I'll Have to Look for It. --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
1 comment:
LH National Museum & Archives [online for now] overseer Craig Harmon has researched tons about the milestone and its mystic connections. I have a AAA mag from when it was dedicated and think it would be a cool subject for a book, but I'd better finish my other ones first!
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