Southwest Number 3 Boundary Marker

Washington, D.C., US

Southwest Number 3 Boundary Marker
Southwest Number 3 Boundary Marker
Location
Washington, D.C., US
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
38.820652, -77.0793199
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Southwest Number 3 Boundary Marker stands as a silent sentinel of American cartographic history, marking a specific point along the original ten-mile square boundary of the District of Columbia. Established in 1791 and 1792, these markers were commissioned by George Washington to define the federal territory ceded by Maryland and Virginia. This particular stone, designated as Southwest Number 3, is one of the original sandstone monuments placed by surveyors Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Banneker. Visitors interested in historical landmarks often seek out these markers to appreciate the precision of early American surveying and the foundational layout of the nation's capital. While modern urban development has obscured or destroyed many of the original forty stones, Southwest Number 3 remains a protected site, offering a unique glimpse into the 18th-century planning of the federal district. For those looking for distinct trip ideas, visiting these boundary stones provides a tangible connection to the early administrative geography of the United States. The site is best viewed during daylight hours, allowing for clear observation of the weathered inscriptions that have survived centuries of exposure. As you explore the area, you will find that these markers serve as an essential historical anchor, grounding the sprawling city in its original, meticulously calculated dimensions. It is a must-see for history enthusiasts looking for unique local attractions that tell the story of the capital's formative years.

General information

The Southwest Number 3 Boundary Marker stands as a silent sentinel of American cartographic history, marking a specific point along the original ten-mile square boundary of the District of Columbia. Established in 1791 and 1792, these markers were commissioned by George Washington to define the federal territory ceded by Maryland and Virginia. This particular stone, designated as Southwest Number 3, is one of the original sandstone monuments placed by surveyors Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Banneker. Visitors interested in historical landmarks often seek out these markers to appreciate the precision of early American surveying and the foundational layout of the nation's capital. While modern urban development has obscured or destroyed many of the original forty stones, Southwest Number 3 remains a protected site, offering a unique glimpse into the 18th-century planning of the federal district. For those looking for distinct trip ideas, visiting these boundary stones provides a tangible connection to the early administrative geography of the United States. The site is best viewed during daylight hours, allowing for clear observation of the weathered inscriptions that have survived centuries of exposure. As you explore the area, you will find that these markers serve as an essential historical anchor, grounding the sprawling city in its original, meticulously calculated dimensions. It is a must-see for history enthusiasts looking for unique local attractions that tell the story of the capital's formative years.

Did you know

  • The boundary stones were placed at one-mile intervals along the perimeter of the original ten-mile square of the District of Columbia.
  • Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African American mathematician and astronomer, was a key member of the survey team that placed these stones.
  • The stones are inscribed with 'Jurisdiction of the United States' on the side facing the district and the year of placement on the side facing the state.

History

Following the Residence Act of 1790, which authorized the creation of a permanent federal capital, President George Washington appointed a commission to survey the ten-mile square territory. The survey began in 1791, led initially by Major Andrew Ellicott and his team, which famously included Benjamin Banneker. The markers were intended to delineate the border between the federal district and the states of Maryland and Virginia. The Southwest Number 3 marker is one of the few surviving monuments from this original survey, having been placed in the early 1790s to permanently fix the boundary lines into the landscape of the early republic.

Cultural significance

The Southwest Number 3 Boundary Marker serves as a primary source of historical evidence regarding the founding of Washington, D.C. It represents the collaborative efforts of early American surveyors to establish the physical boundaries of the federal government. Culturally, these markers are symbols of the nation's early administrative identity and the scientific rigor applied to the creation of the capital. They are protected by the Boundary Stones of the District of Columbia organization and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting their status as vital artifacts of American heritage that preserve the original intent of the Founding Fathers.

Geography and landscape

The marker is situated within the urban environment of modern-day Washington, D.C. Unlike the rural landscape that existed when the stones were first placed in the 1790s, the current setting is characterized by the dense development of a major metropolitan area. The stone sits near the original border line, which has been significantly altered by subsequent infrastructure, including roads and residential expansion. Despite the surrounding urbanization, the site maintains its historical integrity as a geographical reference point, providing a stark contrast between the 18th-century survey lines and the 21st-century city grid.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch