The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cardinal Direction Markers
Native peoples honor the Four Directions through ceremony, song, art, and architecture. On the edges of the museum site, four large stones known as Cardinal Direction Markers honor Native cultures of the north, south, east, and west. Can you find them all?
The markers were selected by Native communities within Canada, Chile, Maryland and Hawai'i. The oldest is four billion years old, and the youngest is 300 years old. All were given a ceremonial blessing before and after their arrival at the museum. A piece of Kasota limestone, the stone used to build the museum, was given to each community in a symbolic exchange.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Environment • Native Americans.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 53.316′ N, 77° 0.984′ W. Marker was in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in The National Mall. Marker could be reached from Jefferson Drive Southwest east of 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling east. On the grounds of the National
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Cardinal Direction Marker: North (a few steps from this marker); George Rivera (within shouting distance of this marker); National Native American Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Traditional Croplands (within shouting distance of this marker); Rick Bartow (within shouting distance of this marker); Cardinal Direction Marker: South (within shouting distance of this marker); Cardinal Direction Marker: East (within shouting distance of this marker); Nora Naranjo-Morse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on February 10, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
