Jefferson Pier
Item
Title
Jefferson Pier
Description
This historical survey stone was established in 1793 to mark the prime meridian of the United States. It was also intended to mark the intersection of direct lines from the middle of the Capitol and the White House, but it is in fact a little off center. The first marker, a wooden stake, was replaced by a stone in 1804. In the 1870s, the Army Corps of Engineers accidentally removed that marker, and the present stone was placed in 1889. The prime meridian was relocated in 1850.
Creator
Colonel O.H. Ernst
Source
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce. View original.
Date
1793 (established)
1889 (restored)
Coverage
Pre-1800s
1860-1889
topic
building the mall
design & monuments