Zero Mile Marking

In the early days of roads after the advent of the automobile, motorists would often set the odometer to zero to follow directions in guidebooks. These were often from what were called control stations. They were usually a hotel or some other significant structure.

One of them is the Marsh Hotel in Van Wert, Ohio, which served as a control station for the Lincoln Highway. Owner George Marsh spent $28,759 when he opened the 50-room place in 1915. In 1931, it was remodeled for $160,000. Unfortunately, it is no longer open for business today.