Jefferson Pier Stone

Jefferson Pier Stone on the Washington Monument grounds.

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Prior to the dredging of the Potomac River that created West Potomac Park, this was formerly the shoreline. The pier at this location was located at the intersection of the east-west line from the U.S. Capitol Building and the north-south line from the White House. Thomas Jefferson advocated for the north-south line that connects the Washington Monument, the White House, and 16th Street to be the "Washington Meridian," a navigational aid for sailors. However, the idea never caught on and the meridian running throgh Greenwich, England eventually became the "prime meridian."

Inscriptions
POSITION OF JEFFERSON
PIER ERECTED DEC 18, 1804.
RECOVERED AND RE-ERECTED
DEC 2, 1889.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA