Peters Creek Mile Marker
One of Several Identical Markers
The use of mile markers began in the Roman Empire with the use of stone obelisks. The first Roman mile markers appeared in the fourth century B.C. on the empire’s legendary Appian Way, the road from Rome to Brindisi.
National Road mile markers are set at one mile intervals along the north side of the Road. Each state’s mile markers were a different design, but all displayed the same information. Ohio’s markers were square with round heads, made of an early form of concrete, sandstone or limestone, while in Pennsylvania they were obelisks made of cast iron. Ohio’s five-foot tall markers were set two feet deep into the ground with three feet exposed. Each marker indicated the distance to Cumberland, Maryland, where the Road begins, and the name and mileage to the nearest cities and villages, for east and westbound travelers.
Whether the letters or numerals were painted or carved, markers followed a standard pattern of showing at the top the number of miles from the beginning of the Road in Cumberland, Maryland. On the next
row, they wrote the name of the next big town and number of miles to it. On the left side of the marker, it would show eastbound travelers the next big town to the east. On the right side, it would show westbound travelers the next big town to the west and the number of miles to go. On the lowest level, there was usually an initial and a small number. This indicated the nearest town. It didn’t need to be spelled out, because most people from the vicinity would recognize it from the initial.
By the 1920’s, a uniform highway numbering system with standardized road signs replaced the old mile markers, but many remain along the Road. See how many you can identify.
Erected by Ohio National Road Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list.
Location. 40° 0.627′ N, 81° 39.422′ W. Marker is near Cambridge, Ohio, in Guernsey County. Marker is at the intersection of Old National Road (U.S. 40 at milepost 186) and Peters Creek Road (County Route 416), on the right when traveling west on Old National Road. The actual mile marker, and the new historical marker, noting it, are side by side. Touch for map
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. S Bridge Renovation (a few steps from this marker); Peters Creek S-Bridge (a few steps from this marker); “S” Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Covered Bridge (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Tingle Tavern (approx. 3˝ miles away); Cambridge (approx. 3˝ miles away); The First Methodist Church (approx. 3.6 miles away); a different marker also named Cambridge (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.
Additional keywords. Old National Road
Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 8, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.