Meridian in Ada County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Initial Point

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, March 12, 2012

1. Initial Point Marker

Inscription. All Idaho land surveys refer to a
beginning point --"Initial Point"--
16 miles directly south of here.
When he began surveying Idaho in 1867, Lafayette Cartee, first surveyor general of Idaho Territory, established the initial point on a volcanic hill visible for many miles. Everywhere in Idaho, surveyors depend upon this essential point in establishing land boundaries. The city of Meridian is named for the Boise Meridian -- the surveyors' north-south line which runs through Initial Point.

Erected by Idaho Historical Society. (Marker Number 193.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 43° 36.263′ N, 116° 23.482′ W. Marker is in Meridian, Idaho, in Ada County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Franklin Road, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Marker is located in Storey Park next to the Meridian Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 East Franklin Road, Meridian ID 83642, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Snake River Plain

and in Greater Boise.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:

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Revolutionary War Patriots (approx. 4.1 miles away); Old Oregon Trail - West Boise (approx. 4.4 miles away); L.D.S. Pioneers of Boise (approx. 5.7 miles away); O.F. Short House (approx. 6½ miles away); Northwest Nazarene University (approx. 7.8 miles away); The Little White Church (approx. 8.3 miles away); Reinhold Chrystman (approx. 9.2 miles away); McClelland Ferry (approx. 9.2 miles away).

Initial Point Marker at Storey Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, March 12, 2012

2. Initial Point Marker at Storey Park

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2012, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. This page has been viewed 3,010 times since then and 139 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2012, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.