Eaton Monument Park in Olympia in Thurston County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Willamette Meridian

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 16, 2016

1. Willamette Meridian Marker

Inscription. You are standing on the Willamette Meridian, which is the principle survey line from which the rectangular surveys of Washington State were commenced. William Ives, deputy surveyor, commenced the survey of the Willamette Meridian from the Initial Point near Portland, Oregon on June 4, 1851, passing this point on August 14, 1851. He and his crew of 5 men surveyed the 110 miles from Portland to a point on Puget Sound 8 miles north of this point in 74 days, marking trees every half mile. Many of these markings may be found to this day. Dedicated by the Land Surveyors Association of Washington on November 11, 1989, in commemoration of the Washington Centennial.

Erected 1989 by Land Surveyor Association of Washington.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is June 4, 1851.

Location. 46° 59.145′ N, 122° 44.317′ W. Marker is in Olympia, Washington, in Thurston County. It is in Eaton Monument Park. It is on Meridian Road Southeast east of Meridian Rd SE, on the right when traveling west. 500 feet East of Meridian Road

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on the North side of Yelm Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6812 Meridian Rd SE, Olympia WA 98513, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region

and in Greater Seattle.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Eaton (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Chambers Donation Claim Site (approx. 3.9 miles away); Andrew Jackson Chamber's Homestead Site (approx. 3.9 miles away); Jackson Family/Goose Pond History (approx. 4.4 miles away); Chambers Prairie School / Old East Olympia School (approx. 4.8 miles away); Lacey Women's Club (approx. 4.9 miles away); Gallagher House (approx. 4.9 miles away); She-Nah-Nam (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olympia.

More about this marker.

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 16, 2016

2. Willamette Meridian Marker

Persons unknown have painted the KR logo (upper left corner) yellow and a long drip of paint extends down the face of the marker. KR refers to Kuker-Ranken, a Pacific NW supplier of survey equipment.

Fort Eaton and Willamette Meridian monuments image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Whaley, May 27, 2026

3. Fort Eaton and Willamette Meridian monuments

The Fort Eaton monument appears on the right side of the photo, while the Willamette Meridian monument is just out of frame on the left.

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, May 30, 2026

4. Willamette Meridian Marker

The Willamette Meridian marker is to the far left.

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, May 30, 2026

5. Willamette Meridian Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 111 times since then. Last updated on May 30, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. 3. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Mike Whaley of Olympia, Washington. 4, 5. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.