In 1790, the states of Maryland and Virginia donated land for what was then the new U.S. Capital, the District of Columbia. Originally, there were various cities in the District, whereas today the city of Washington and the District of Columbia are synonymous.
A surveying team led by Benjamin Banneker hacked through forests and crossed the Potomac River twice. Notably, Banneker was black.
Their task was to lay out a square 10 miles on a side, with the corners pointing north, east, south, and west. It took them two years to travel the 40 miles.
Every mile, they left behind boundary stones. Several of those stones have survived.
Virginia's donation included the city of Alexandria. The people there soon began lobbying to be returned to Virginia.
In 1846, Congress granted their wish; one part became the city of Alexandria and the remainder became Arlington County, where I live. A short distance from my home is one of the original boundary stones, pictured here, placed in 1791 or 1792.
From the viewer's perspective, the line goes pretty straight into the picture between the large sign on the left and the fence around the stone. To the left is Arlington County and to the right is the city of Falls Church.
An interesting oddity of Virginia government is that we have several "independent" cities that aren't part of any county. Alexandria and Falls Church are two of them.
Great story and good subject. Would like to see this as a split screen postcard. Bottom half the signage, top half the stone up close from real low with only a bit of the background showing. It would add a lot to the visual imagery. Or is there a way to look down on the stone and capture both the stone and the metal plaque on the gates? (might need a ladder to get that angle...be careful if you do)...
What an interesting story! There is not only so much beauty where you live -- but so much history and so many stories. I am really looking forward to your posts! I would love seeing something that old! Really nice photo!!
Gee Jeff, next time we visit our son in DC we'll have to try to find some of your "obscure" monuments. Thanks for the lessons, and for the great shots too.
hi jeff .. you have some absolutely amazing images in your portfolio ... interesting history behind this photograph and great colours and feel ... its your winter and we are in summer .. i love some of the winter trees that have been photographed, especially in this 30 day challenge .. especially the leafless look, it gives an interesting feel to most photographs ...
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
