Milestone P9, Stark Street, Portland, OR - Milestones on Waymarking.com

These milestone markers were likely placed during the infancy of the city of Portland, to guide travelers during a time when roads were not well established or maintained. Although the history is spotty, it is believed that the markers likely were placed in the 1870's by the US Army from the barracks or depot near SW Front Street and Madison in Portland, and marked the four main routes from Portland.

The North Route likely marked current US Hwy 30 along St. Helens Road

The South Route is surmised to have been along Capitol Highway, since P7 is located at the Capitol Hill Branch of the Multnomah County Library.

The East Route marked Base Line Road (later renamed Stark Street). P2 is located at Located in the Lone Fir Cemetery wall at 2320 SE Stark Street. P7 along Stark Street is located at the junction of SE 117th St. P9 is located on Start Street between the cross streets of SE 157th Avenue and 160th Avenue, in the lawn of an apartment complex.

The West Route: This route likely guided travelers along Sunset Highway, Burnside Street or Jefferson Street.

The survey done by William Ives in 1851 established the original "Base Line" Road, and shortly after his survey, a road was established alongside his established survey line. Originally named "Baseline Road", it opened for public travel on November 24, 1854, and it is believed the milemarkers were installed about twenty years later. Each of the stone milemarkers is 6 feet long and weighs about 500 pounds, being carved from heavy basalt rock as a long shaft with a pointed top. The stones are buries so that only the top 2 or 3 feet are visible. There originally were 15 stone markers, and of those, nine have been identified as still existing. Baseline Road was renamed Stark Street in 1892, in honor of Benjamin Stark (1820-1898), a US senator from Oregon.


There is a wonderful website that is maintained by a geocacher by the name of Montucky, who provides additional history, details and photos by searching for "Stark Street Markers Portland Oregon" or from this link: (visit link)

You may want to check out Montucky's geocaches associated with these milestones:
GC1PWKD called P2
GC20B27 called P3
GC1KVTB called P4

Condition: Worn Date placed: 01/01/1870 Material: Concrete Inscription: P9 Name of road: Start Street

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