The Ellipse in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Original Patentees Memorial
Settlers of the District of Columbia Memorial
To the original Patentees prior to 1700 whose land grants embrace the site of the Federal City. This Monument is erected by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists, April 25, 1936.
Erected 1936 by The National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists.
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Colonists series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1936.
Location. 38° 53.646′ N, 77° 2.03′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The Ellipse. Marker can be reached from 15th Street Northwest north of Constitution Avenue Northwest (Route 50), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 610 15th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boy Scout Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); White House Ablaze (within shouting distance of this marker); Open For Business (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Saul (about 600 feet away); Bulfinch Gate House (about 600 feet away); To the Memory of Oscar S. Straus (about 600 feet away); Completing the Triangle (about 700 feet away); William Tecumseh Sherman (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Regarding Original Patentees Memorial. "The National Society Daughters of the American Colonists donated the Settlers of the District of Columbia Memorial in April 1935 "as a way of teaching history." The simple granite shaft stands near the sidewalk along Fifteenth Street. Its purpose is to remember the original eighteen patentees "prior to 1700 whose land grants embraced the site of the federal city." A patentee is someone to whom a grant is given. In this case, the grant was ownership of land that became the District of Columbia.
Each side of the monument contains a relief panel carved with a symbol of the early pioneers' agricultural pursuits. On the east side is a tobacco plant, on the south a wild turkey, on the west a stalk of corn, and on the north a fish. The names of the original landowners are inscribed on the base"
NPS web site
Also see . . .
1. The Daughters of the American Revolution. Society website homepage:
"Non-profit, women's organization for the descendants of individuals who aided in achieving American independence." (Submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland.)
2. Explore the Southern Trail (Ellipse). Nation Park Service, President's Park (White House)website entry (Submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,593 times since then and 63 times this year. Last updated on February 24, 2024, by Carolyn Sanders of Plano, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 25, 2013, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 9. submitted on November 25, 2013, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 10. submitted on June 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.