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Washington, District of Columbia
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The Zero Milestone, located on the Ellipse near the White House, was dedicated in 1923 as the reference point for measuring distances from Washington, D.C., although it never fully served this purpose nationwide.
The dedication ceremony on June 4, 1923, was part of the Army's transcontinental motor convoy, which demonstrated the need for better road infrastructure across the country.
The monument is crafted from Milford pink granite, a material known for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
The monument bears inscriptions that detail its purpose and dedication, including a bronze tablet that reads, 'Point for the measurement of distances from Washington on highways of the United States.'
It was inspired by the Roman Golden Milestone, which marked the starting point of the Roman road system in the Forum of Rome.
Strategically placed on the Ellipse, it aligns with the White House and the Washington Monument, integrating into the city's symbolic landscape.
