The Garden Club of America erected entrance markers in 1932 as part of the George Washington bicentennial celebration. These are stone pylons located at several entrances to the district. These two that are the subject of this cache are located at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue with Western Avenue.
From Wikipedia:
"The markers were designed by architect Edward Donn, who based them on the milestones set up in 1761 along the Mason–Dixon line denoting the Pennsylvania-Maryland boundary. Installed between April 1932 and October 1933, the markers are composed of Aquia Creek sandstone and bear the Seal of Maryland on one side and the Cartouche of the District of Columbia on the opposite side. The cartouche depicts George Washington with Lady Justice, a laurel wreath, the rising sun, and the capitol dome."
From the National Register of Historic Places registration form for this marker:
“The Friendship Heights markers are located on the east and west sides of Wisconsin Avenue, on the north side of Western Avenue. Here, the markers emerge directly out of the concrete sidewalk and may have been re-erected during the 1977 construction of Metro when they were “discovered” by Metro contractors.”
The registration goes on to say that the western marker is at a 3 ft height because it has been repeatedly hit by motorists over the years. The marker shows signs of weathering as well. The eastern marker is in “remarkable” shape. The original inscription “Erected by the Garden Club of America 1932” remains intact, and the marker shows fewer signs of weathering than the western marker.
There are 7 markers (located at 4 sites) that still exist today. This multicache takes you to the location of the Wisconsin Avenue markers, as well as another example of one of many still existing historic DC structures at the final location. Waypoints are given for each of the markers. Use caution in this area as it is near a busy intersection. I parked on Jenifer St NW while I was hiding this cache (parking coordinates).
Finding the geocache:
The final is located at N 38° 57.ABC W 077° 04.CDE
At the posted coordinates, there is a historical marker describing the Belmont neighborhood.
A = The number of black businessmen who purchased acres PLUS ONE
B = “Purchased B1 acres”
C = The second digit of the year the acres were purchased
DE = The number of people who bought lots
Checksum: A + B + C + D + E = 27
The final is a short walk away.
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Check out the other caches in this series: