Zero Mile Stone - Charleston, West Virginia

A zero mile, point of origin, or in many places in the world, a zero kilometer, is used to serve as a point from which roads, squares, or lots are measured. Many cities, states, and countries historically have had a zero mile from which they measure distances, including Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. Even international locations such as Pune and Nagpur in India have a zero mile stone. At one time, the United States Geological Survey would use post offices to mark the zero mile of towns, but now use landmarks such as city halls or town squares. During a search of Google Maps, I stumbled across a Zero Mile Stone located in Charleston, West Virginia, and I felt it was right down my alley to make it a point to visit when my travels took me to that corner of the Mountain State.

Located on Kanawha Boulevard (US 60) across the street from the West Virginia State Capitol building and grounds, the Zero Mile Stone of the State Road Commission of West Virginia was originally put in place in 1934. The Zero Mile Stone did not last long on the Capitol grounds, as it was removed from that location in 1938 due to municipal street construction. The Zero Mile Stone was later reset at its present location in 1956 along the sidewalk with its back facing the Kanawha River. While highway distances are measured differently today, the Zero Mile Stone monument once marked the location where all points and distances in the State of West Virginia were measured. However, the Zero Mile Stone serves as a reminder of how units of measure were used in previous generations.

How to Get There:

Sources and Links:
The Historical Marker Database - Zero Mile Stone
The Marietta Times - How many more miles? It depends on where you measure (November 12, 2022)

Comments

Grand Loop Road of Yellowstone National Park

Grand Loop Road is a 140 mile loop highway which traverses the interior of Yellowstone National Park. Grand Loop Road connects all of the major attractions and geological features of Yellowstone National Park along with the entrance roads. Grand Loop Road is a seasonal highway and despite some conjecture never has been part of the US Route System. Part 1; the history of Grand Loop Road The majority of history pertaining to Grand Loop Road was taken from the below National Park Service article: Historic Roads - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Yellowstone was declared the first National Park of the United States on March 1st, 1872. The first real highway to access Yellowstone National Park came in 1873 when a tolled facility was constructed from Bozeman, Montana via Yankee Jim Canyon to Mammoth Hot Springs. Numerous attempts were made to fund construction of roadway infrastructure during the early years of Yellows...

The last 1956-63 era California Sign State Route Spade?

Along southbound California State Route 170 (the Hollywood Freeway Extension) approaching the Hollywood Freeway/Ventura Freeway interchange a white California State Route 134 Sign State Route Spade can be observed on guide sign. These white spades were specifically used during the 1956-63 era and have become increasingly rare. This blog is intended to serve as a brief history of the Sign State Route Spade. We also ask you as the reader, is this last 1956-63 era Sign State Route Spade or do you know of others? Part 1; the history of the California Sign State Route Spade Prior to the Sign State Route System, the US Route System and the Auto Trails were the only highways in California signed with reassurance markers. The creation of the US Route System by the American Association of State Highway Officials during November 1926 brought a system of standardized reassurance shields to major highways in California. Early efforts to create a Sign State Route ...

California State Route 70; the Feather River Highway

From 2017 through to early 2019 I drove the majority of the California State Route 70; the Feather River Highway from CA 89 southwest to CA 99. CA 70 is an approximately 178.5 mile state highway which starts at US 395 near the Nevada State Line and travels west through the Feather River Canyon to CA 99. CA 70 is often referred to as the Feather River Highway" given it's close association with the river. Historically CA 70 was previously signed as US 40A and CA 24. The Legislative Routes prior to the 1964 California Highway Renumbering that made up the current route of CA 70 are as follows: - Legislative Route Number 21 from US 395 westward to Oroville. - LRN 87 from Oroville south to Marysville. - LRN 232 from Marysville to the current junction with CA 99. CA 70 was even dual signed with CA 99 into Sacramento on what was LRN 232 for a time. The change from US 40A/LRN 21/LRN 87/LRN 232 can be seen by comparing the 1963 State Highway Ma...

Gribblenation

Search This Blog