Boundary Stone

Boundary Stones of the Federal City are survey markers that were used to establish the limits of Washington DC over 200 years ago. They now represent one of the oldest lasting surveys of early American history. Thirty-seven of the 40 stones remain and recognition and protection of the remaining stones is vital. The Boundary Stone special project is focused on getting Boundary Stones recognized as an ASCE Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Why are the Boundary Stones important? They link civil engineers from over 200 years ago to our present (and hopefully future) generation of civil engineers. They mark the original boundary of a world class city, and they are remaining evidence marking the first Americans’ vision of their new nation’s seat.

The Boundary Stones need your help! They were probably never meant to last, but they are hanging in there, helped by many people over the years. The time has come for a new generation to take on the stewardship of the Boundary Stones.

ASCE National Capital Section is taking the lead in various tasks related to Boundary Stones. Here’s how you can help:

• Help the History and Heritage Committee complete and submit the application for designation of the Boundary Stones as an ASCE Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
• Help get a History and Heritage article published in Civil Engineering Magazine. Advocate for National Park Service Historic Landmark Designation and help raise public awareness through tours and other means.
• Advocate for the pending Memorandum of Agreement between the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the various federal, state and local entities and lobby the DDOT to release the Request for Proposals for the Boundary Stones preservation work.
• Help update the 1979 ASCE Prospectus for Preservation of the Boundary Stones.
• Help the NCS History and Heritage Committee in their work for the Boundary Stones.
• Get involved in the establishment of a public park at the East Corner Stone including helping in the design of the park and the raising of funds for the park.

On Saturday May 15, 2010, ASCE - NCS will begin restoration work on the fences which were installed by the Daughters of the American Revolution to protect the boundary stones for the original limits of the 10 mile square tract of land that currently is designated Washington, DC, Arlington County, and Alexandria, VA.  29 of the original fences remain and the restoration effort will begin at the East Cornerstone located at the intersection of Eastern Ave and Southern Ave in Southeast D.C. and Seat Pleasent, MD.  The effort will involve existing paint and rust removal from the iron fence installed April 15, 1916 and repainting of the fence and plaque.  There will also be some intrusive plant clearing and mulching performed.  ASCE - NCS is looking for student volunteers to assist with this effort and will supply the tools and materials necessary to complete the work.  For more information, interested parties should contact project leader Stephen Powers at 703.417.0091 or click here to send him an E-mail.