Structures of Restriction Marker

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Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Structures of Restriction

By Christopher Busta-Peck, May 15, 2008

1. Structures of Restriction Marker

Inscription. Fences have played an integral part in Mount Vernon Place’s history. The small interior fence was originally installed in 1935 to keep jackrabbits from eating the gardens during a Baltimore jackrabbit epidemic. The rabid rodents plagued this neighborhood’s green spaces for over two months until wealthier residents displaced them. The fencing has been altered now that the perennials are no longer under a threat. In 2002, the larger exterior fence was installed by the then newly formed Department of Homeland Security after Mount Vernon Place was listed as a high-risk landmark for possible terrorist attack. Because of the fence, all terrorist attacks have been thwarted.

410 523 8113

Location. 39° 17.845′ N, 76° 36.994′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. Marker can be reached from West Mount Vernon Place, in the median. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21201, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Place of Invention (a few steps from this marker); Murnaghan House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hackerman House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Monumental Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); To George Washington (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Lafayette Monument (about 300 feet away); Romance of a Romantic (about 300 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Baltimore.

By Christopher Busta-Peck, May 15, 2008

2. Structures of Restriction Marker

The fences can be seen in this photo.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Beyond the Compass, Beyond the Square: Mapping History. Description of this 2008 art installation. (Submitted on June 4, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.)

Additional comments.
1. Beyond the Compass, Beyond the Square: Mapping History
This "historical marker" was one of seven installed by Maryland Institute College of Art sophomore Daniel Allende as part of the 2008 exhibit Beyond the Compass, Beyond the Square. While marker text has some basis in truth, exaggerations become quickly apparent when one takes the time to read the text. In addition to the insight the marker provides about the history of Mount Vernon Square, it also helps to illustrate how often historical markers are taken for granted, almost unseen, and how they could say most anything, yet still be unnoticed.