Columbia Heights in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
An American Meridian
Meridian Hill Park, National Historic Landmark
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013
1. An American Meridian Marker
Thomas Jefferson believed the surveyor's of the nation's capital city should set a new American Meridian, a north-south line running through both poles and the American continent.
This reference line, longitude 0° 0°, would aid navigation, mapmaking, and the development of property boundaries, all key to settling the capital and new western territories. But most of all, Jefferson wanted to reinforce America's Independence from Britain, where the Prime Meridian was established to serve the Royal Navy's global navigation. Today, while there are many meridian lines running through many continents, the internationally recognized Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich, England, not Washington D.C.
For more Information go to: www.nps.gov/mehi
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list.
Location. 38° 55.298′ N, 77° 2.125′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Columbia Heights.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. College Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Visionary and Park Champion (within shouting distance of this marker); Creating the "City Beautiful" (within shouting distance of this marker); Design Challenges (within shouting distance of this marker); Park Designers (within shouting distance of this marker); Art for the People (within shouting distance of this marker); Mansions, Parks, and People (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jeanne d'Arc (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Also see . . . www.nps.gov/mehi. This URL appears on the marker. (Submitted on March 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Geography
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013
2. An American Meridian Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 891 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
