Jefferson Pier

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.

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce. View original.

Date

1793 (established)
1889 (restored)

Coverage

Pre-1800s
1860-1889

Physical Description

The Jefferson Pier is a 2 foot by 2 foot granite monument marking the proposed first meridian. The inscription reads: "Position of Jefferson Pier erected Dec 18 1804. Recovered and re-erected Dec 2, 1869."

Type

Marker

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

Date

1793 (established)

Coverage

Pre-1800s

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce. View original.

Geolocation