The Zero Milestone: The Heart of America
Discover the Zero Milestone, Washington, DC's historic monument marking the starting point for measuring distances across the United States.
The Zero Milestone in Washington, DC, serves as a historic and symbolic point that marks the starting point for measuring distances across the United States. This iconic monument, located near the White House, is a must-visit for any tourist seeking to connect with America's geographical history and its national landmarks. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping and situated in the heart of the capital, the Zero Milestone offers a unique perspective on the country's development and serves as a poignant reminder of America's journey.
A brief summary to Zero Milestone
- Ellipse Rd NW, Washington, Northwest Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photographs.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the nearby National Mall for a full day of exploring.
- Look for informative plaques around the monument to learn more about its historical significance.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Gaithersburg, head to the nearest bus stop which is located at Gaithersburg City Hall. Take the Ride On Bus Route 55 towards the Shady Grove Metro Station. Once you reach Shady Grove, transfer to the Metro Red Line train towards Glenmont. Ride the train until you reach the Metro Center station. At Metro Center, transfer to the Blue, Orange, or Yellow Line towards L'Enfant Plaza. Disembark at the L'Enfant Plaza station and exit towards Maryland Avenue. Walk northeast along Maryland Avenue, then turn left onto Independence Avenue SW, and finally turn right onto Ellipse Rd NW. The Zero Milestone will be on your left.
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Metro Train
Start at the Gaithersburg Metro Station. Take the Metro Red Line towards Glenmont. Ride the train until you reach the Metro Center station. At Metro Center, transfer to the Blue, Orange, or Yellow Line towards L'Enfant Plaza. Get off at the L'Enfant Plaza station, and exit towards Maryland Avenue. Walk northeast along Maryland Avenue, then turn left onto Independence Avenue SW, and finally turn right onto Ellipse Rd NW. You will find the Zero Milestone on your left.
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Walking
If you are near the Gaithersburg City Hall area, walk towards the bus stop at the City Hall. From there, you can take the Ride On Bus Route 55 to Shady Grove Metro Station. After you arrive at Shady Grove, you can take the Metro Red Line to Metro Center and then transfer to the Blue, Orange, or Yellow Line towards L'Enfant Plaza. Once you get off at L'Enfant Plaza, exit towards Maryland Avenue and walk northeast along Maryland Avenue. Turn left onto Independence Avenue SW, and then turn right onto Ellipse Rd NW to reach the Zero Milestone.
Discover more about Zero Milestone
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