Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bench Mark "A"

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

1. Bench Mark "A" Marker

Inscription.
"In October 1877, Bench Mark "A" was cut on the water table of the recently rebuilt courthouse in Hagerstown, Maryland", reads the report of the coast and geodetic survey to President McKinley. This was the beginning point of a transcontinental level line which by way of Williamsport and then along the C&O Canal reached Hancock in one month but it was not until 1904 that the line extended from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans.

Bench Mark "A" is not just of historical interest, but has been included in leveling surveys conducted in 1931, 1941, and 1979. It has remained very stable in relation to other nearby marks. This mark was chosen to be part of a releveling project completed in 1988.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Maryland, Washington County Historical Advisory Committee series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1877.

Location. 39° 38.57′ N, 77° 43.371′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Summit Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ransom of Hagerstown (within shouting distance of this marker); For God and Country (within shouting distance of this marker); Crossroads of History (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); A City Divided (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hagerstonians in the Civil War (about 300 feet away); The Hattery and Glove Factory (about 400 feet away); John Brown (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

2. Bench Mark "A" Marker

With the bench mark in the background.

Bench Mark "A" marker location image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

3. Bench Mark "A" marker location

U.S.G.S., October, 1877 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

4. U.S.G.S., October, 1877

Elevation 552.25 feet.

Bench Mark "A" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

5. Bench Mark "A"

Washington County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 23, 2008

6. Washington County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,095 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.