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East Liverpool, Ohio: Point of Beginning

Cartographic landmark established at the convergence of the borders of OH, PA, and WV. States and counties west of here tend to be less misshapen, and more square. The actual point is underwater in WV, but this is close.

Address:
State Route 39, East Liverpool, OH
Directions:
Border of PA and OH on the south side of Harvey St./OH-39. Small pull-off for parking.
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Visitor Tips and News About Point of Beginning

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Point of Beginning.

Point of Beginning - U.S. Land Survey

The Point of Beginning marker is standing strong. There is the marker itself, a historical plaque describing the marker, two plaques on the surveying history surrounding the marker, and a marker for the Lewis and Clark expedition, which apparently passed nearby.

[Andrew McLaughlin, 05/07/2018]

Point of Beginning.

Point of Beginning - U.S. Land Survey

The Point of Beginning monument is in great shape.

[GTAirstream, 12/24/2015]

Beginning of the US Land Survey.

Point of Beginning - U.S. Land Survey

On Ohio State Route 39 just east of East Liverpool, Ohio, stands a cairn that represents the beginning of the U.S. western land survey. Marked in 1785 and described as the "Gateway to the Northwest," and "Point of Beginning," the selection of this point (at the convergence of the borders of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) has affected the boundaries of the greater portion of all the lands settled since then, including states, counties, cities, and townships. This fascinating topic is explored in some depth by Andro Linklater in his book, Measuring America. Geodedic purists will be disappointed to learn that the sight of the actual point is actually 1,112 feet south of the monument, in an area which appears to now be covered by water.

The Beginning of the U.S. Land Survey can be found at N40° 38.557' W80° 31.131', on State Route 39 (Harvey St).

[Mark Newlon, 06/17/2011]

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In the region:
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