The Historic Zero Milestone: A Symbol of American Heritage
Explore the Zero Milestone, a historic monument in Washington, D.C., marking the starting point of distance measurement across the United States.
The Zero Milestone in Washington, D.C., stands as a poignant symbol of American history and a key point of reference for travelers. Located at the heart of the nation’s capital, this historic marker signifies the starting point for measuring distances across the United States, making it an essential stop for tourists eager to learn more about the nation's past. Surrounded by the iconic landscapes of the National Mall, visitors can enjoy a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture, all within walking distance.
A brief summary to Zero Milestone
- Ellipse Rd NW, Washington, Northwest Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, US
- Click to display
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photography.
- Combine your visit with a stroll to nearby monuments and museums for a comprehensive historical experience.
- Bring a guidebook or download a mobile app to learn more about the history and significance of the Zero Milestone.
- Check for any special events or commemorations that may be happening at the National Mall during your visit.
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Getting There
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Metro
From Rockville, head to the Rockville Metro Station located at 30 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850. Take the Red Line towards Glenmont. Ride the train for 14 stops (approximately 30 minutes) until you reach the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station. At Gallery Place, transfer to the Yellow Line towards Greenbelt. After one stop, get off at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. From there, exit the station and walk south on 7th St SW for about 0.5 miles (approximately 10 minutes) until you reach the Zero Milestone located at Ellipse Rd NW.
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Bus
From Rockville, you can take the Ride On Bus Route 46 from the Rockville Transit Center. Board the bus heading towards the Glenmont Metro Station. After approximately 25 minutes, get off at the Wheaton Metro Station and transfer to the Metro. Take the Red Line towards Glenmont and follow the same route as above to reach the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station. Then, transfer to the Yellow Line towards Greenbelt and get off at L'Enfant Plaza. Walk south on 7th St SW for about 0.5 miles (approximately 10 minutes) to reach the Zero Milestone.
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Walking
If you're starting from downtown Rockville, you can walk to the Rockville Metro Station located at 30 Maryland Ave. It's about a 10-minute walk from the center of downtown. Once at the station, take the Red Line towards Glenmont. Follow the same instructions as above to transfer at Gallery Place and reach L'Enfant Plaza. After exiting the station, walk south on 7th St SW for about 0.5 miles (approximately 10 minutes) to arrive at the Zero Milestone.
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