OLDEST -- DC Boundary Cornerstone - Alexandria, VA
Posted by: 
bluesnote
N 38° 47.420 W 077° 02.436
18S E 322772 N 4295487
The first survey stone laid out by surveyors in the late 1700's was placed here to mark the 10 x10 mile diamond of DC. The stone now lies in Virginia, after the Virginia side of the Potomac wanted it's land back.
Waymark Code: WMN5QW
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/31/2014
Views: 8
The plaque says, "In 1791, surveyors on Jones Point began to lay out the ten-mile square that would become Washington, D.C. The first marker for the survey—the south cornerstone—was set in place on this spot. Although the stone within this protective enclosure may be a replacement dating from 1794, it is nonetheless among the oldest existing physical monuments associated with the federal city of Washington, D.C.
(caption)
With water levels steadily rising, the cornerstone on Jones Point has long been at the mercy of encroaching Hunting Creek. In 1861, a retaining wall was constructed in front of the stone, creating a raised yard in the lighthouse constructed six years earlier. The stone remained "lost" behind this wall for over five decades. This 1921 photo was taken at a commemorative celebration following its "rediscovery." Image courtesy of the Library of Congress
(sidebar)
In 1916, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) assumed responsibility for maintaining D.C.'s cornerstones and mile markers. In 1926, the DAR purchased the Jones Point lighthouse and later deeded it to the National Park Service (NPS). Today, the DAR and the National Park Service work together to preserve and interpret both the south cornerstone and the adjacent lighthouse. Image courtesy of the Daughters of the American Revolution
The inscription on the south cornerstone, worn by weather and water is now illegible. The other cornerstones are inscribed with the name of the state (Virginia or Maryland), the year, the compass heading, and the phrase 'Jurisdiction of the United States.' Images courtesy of the Library of Congress
(right panel)
May this stone long commemorate the goodness of God in those uncommon events which have given America a name among nations—
Under this stone may jealousy and selfishness be forever buried!
Commemoration of Cornerstone April 15, 1791"
Type of documentation of superlative status: Plaque
Location of coordinates: Cornerstone
Web Site: Not listed
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