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5 Shocking Secrets And Recent Updates On The DC Boundary Stones, America's Oldest Federal Monuments

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The District of Columbia Boundary Stones are not just ancient markers; they are the literal foundation of the nation's capital, a silent, 100-square-mile history lesson carved in Aquia Creek sandstone. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, these modest monuments are experiencing a resurgence in public interest and a renewed focus on their preservation, proving that even 230-year-old stones can still make headlines.

These 40 unassuming obelisks represent the first major engineering and surveying project of the new American republic, a remarkable feat of precision led by Andrew Ellicott and the brilliant, self-taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker. They stand as the oldest federally placed monuments in the United States, and their ongoing story—of being lost, found, and protected—continues to captivate historians and local enthusiasts alike.

The Original Survey and the Legacy of Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Banneker

The establishment of the Federal City, as authorized by the Residence Act of 1790, required defining a precise 10-mile square, or 100-square-mile, tract of land ceded by Maryland and Virginia. President George Washington personally selected the site, and the critical task of surveying the boundary fell to Major Andrew Ellicott.

Ellicott, a respected surveyor, brought on a pivotal figure: Benjamin Banneker, a free Black mathematician, astronomer, and almanac author. Banneker’s role was crucial, particularly in performing the complex astronomical calculations needed to establish the true north-south lines and the initial cornerstone's location.

  • The Cornerstone: The first stone, the South Corner Stone, was placed at Jones Point in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 15, 1791. This stone, and the 13 others in the Virginia section, now mark the land that was "retroceded"—returned—to Virginia in 1846-1847.
  • The Quadrants: The 40 stones were placed at one-mile intervals, forming the four sides of the square. They are labeled according to their quadrant (NE, NW, SE, SW) and their distance from the initial point (e.g., NE 1, NW 4).
  • Inscriptions: Each stone was inscribed with the year "1791" or "1792" on the side facing the District, and "Maryland" or "Virginia" on the opposite side, along with the sequential number of the stone. They are made of Aquia Creek sandstone, the same material used for the original White House and Capitol Building.

The precision of the 1791 survey, executed without modern GPS or satellite imagery, remains an incredible testament to the skill of Ellicott and Banneker. Their work not only defined the capital but also established Banneker as one of the new nation's first Black civil servants.

Recent Discoveries and the 2024 Preservation Battle

While the stones are over two centuries old, their story is far from over. Preservation efforts are a constant battle against erosion, vandalism, and encroaching development. Recent news, particularly from 2024, highlights the dedication of a small community of historians and engineers to keep these markers from being lost to time.

The Rescue of SE7 and the 'DCStones' Movement (2024 Update)

One of the most compelling recent stories involves the ongoing efforts of the ASCE-NCS Boundary Stone Committee, led by Chairman Stephen Powers, often known as "DCStones." Powers has dedicated years to documenting and physically maintaining the stones.

A notable event occurred on May 31, 2024, when Stephen Powers successfully worked to secure and save SE7 (Southeast Stone 7). This stone, like many, is vulnerable to environmental changes and neglect. The physical act of "saving" a stone often involves clearing vegetation, repairing or reinforcing the protective iron cage, and ensuring the stone is correctly positioned and documented. This specific rescue highlights that preservation is a continuous, hands-on activity, not a one-time historical event.

The current status of the markers was the subject of a detailed presentation at the ASCE-NCS meeting on October 29, 2024, where Powers provided a fresh update on the condition of the 36 surviving stones, covering everything from minor repairs to the ongoing hunt for the four missing markers.

The Guardians of the Boundary: DAR and NACABOSTCO

The preservation of the DC Boundary Stones is a multi-generational effort. Since 1915, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have been the primary guardians. Chapters of the DAR, such as the Martha Washington Chapter and the Judge Lynn Chapter, took on the responsibility of protecting the stones by erecting the distinctive iron cages that now surround them. This early 20th-century initiative is the main reason why 36 of the original 40 stones still stand today.

More recently, the National Capital Area Boundary Stone Committee (NACABOSTCO) and the ASCE-NCS have taken the lead on the more technical aspects of restoration and maintenance, ensuring the stones are accurately mapped and their protective enclosures are kept in good repair. The collaboration between these groups ensures that the stones are not just protected, but also accurately documented for future generations.

The Stones' Cultural Impact: From History to the NBA

The historical significance of the boundary stones has recently transcended the realm of history books and local tours, finding its way into modern pop culture, answering the public's curiosity about their enduring relevance.

The Washington Wizards' Unique Tribute (Late 2023)

In a surprising and unique cultural nod, the Washington Wizards (the city’s NBA team) debuted new uniforms in November 2023 that were directly inspired by the DC Boundary Stones. The uniform design incorporated elements that mirrored the shape and historical inscriptions of the markers, bringing the 1791 survey into the modern sports arena. This unexpected tribute introduced a new generation of fans to the oldest federal monuments, cementing their status as a unique piece of D.C. identity.

Visiting the Stones: What You Need to Know in 2025

The stones are scattered across the modern landscape of the region, located in backyards, parks, and along busy roads in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (Alexandria and Arlington County). For those intending to visit, the experience is a true geographical mystery tour, following the original 100-square-mile perimeter.

  • Accessibility Varies: While many stones are easily visible in public parks or along trails (like the Capital Crescent Trail), some are on private property or within fenced federal facilities. For example, NW4 (Northwest Stone 4), located within a federal facility, has been closed to visitors since 2020, though it remains visible from the adjacent trail.
  • The DC Stones Tour: Organizations like "DC Stones" offer guided tours that take enthusiasts along the perimeter, providing historical context and the latest updates on the condition of each marker. These tours are an excellent way to see the stones that are most accessible and to learn about the history of retrocession.
  • The Surviving Stones: Today, 36 of the original 40 markers survive. 23 are in the land that still comprises the District of Columbia and Maryland, and 13 are in Virginia (Arlington County and Alexandria). Finding all 36 is a popular local challenge for history buffs.

The DC Boundary Stones are more than just historical artifacts; they are a living, breathing part of the capital’s identity. Their story—from the groundbreaking survey of Benjamin Banneker and Andrew Ellicott to the modern-day preservation efforts of Stephen Powers and the DAR—is a continuous narrative of American history, currently being written in late 2024 and beyond. They stand as a powerful reminder that the foundation of the nation's capital is literally set in stone.

5 Shocking Secrets and Recent Updates on the DC Boundary Stones, America's Oldest Federal Monuments
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