The idea for the Zero Milestone, located on the South Lawn between the Ellipse and the White House, was inspired by the Golden Milestone in the Roman Forum. All roads leading out of Washington DC would be measured from here providing unity to the national interstate system. It was a good idea in theory, but in reality it became a convenient place on which to set your bag while you take pictures of the White House.
Still it’s a perfect place to begin your exploration of one of the most historic regions in the United States. Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland have all played a key role in many of the events that have defined America: from the birth of the colonies, through the Revolutionary War, the bloody and brutal Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and up to the present. Pick any era in American history and you’ll be able to relive it in some manner within this region.
From the Zero Milestone tour the Mall. MINI METRO Washington DC Mall & Metrorail shows a complete picture of the mall on one side and the entire Metrorail system on the reverse. Memorials are located on the western side of the mall while museums and the Capitol are located on the east side. Information (hours, location admission information, telephone and a brief discussion of the highlights of each collection) on museums here on the Mall and elsewhere around Washington can be found on the ARTWISE® Washington DC Museum Map. From the Mall, walk north to scope out the International Spy Museum and Ford’s Theatre. Use your STREETWISE® Washington DC map to head towards Georgetown and one of the many restaurants that make this part of town a dining delight.
From Washington, venture further afield. The Area map on STREETWISE® Washington DC shows the heavily traveled corridor between Baltimore-Washington and the southern suburbs. After leaving DC, head out to Annapolis, capital of Maryland and capital of sailing. Boaters from around the world come to enjoy sailing on the Chesapeake, stroll the quaint historic district and taste the famous crab. Annapolis is also the site of the Naval Academy. King Hall, the 55,000 sq foot dining hall, is a testament to military efficiency: servers here get dinner on the table for over 4,000 in under five minutes (average calorie count is between 3,500 to 4,000 per day – the word most often used to describe the cuisine is…nutritious). Attend this year’s graduation ceremony on May 26th and you’ll see midshipmen (the term also applies to females as well) in their snappy dress whites tossing their covers (hats) in the air like a flock of seagulls.
Annapolis is equidistant from both Baltimore and Washington, so head north for about 30 miles to Baltimore. The STREETWISE® Baltimore Map covers the center of Baltimore from Guilford, John Hopkins University and the Baltimore Museum of Art out to Riverside Yard, Westport and the Baltimore Museum of Industry. An inset map of Downtown Baltimore details the attractions: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Inner Harbor with it’s shops, dining, promenades along the water, Maryland Science Center and Planetarium, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the area of Mt. Vernon Square home to numerous cultural venues. Light Rail and Metro stations are clearly indicated and even Babe Ruth’s house is marked on the map. A Baltimore Area Map with all major highways, access roads and sites completes the coverage.
From Baltimore head north to Gettysburg, just over the Maryland / Pennsylvania border. Here at the site of the most brutal and bloodiest battle of the Civil War you’ll start your Journey Through Hallowed Ground. The 175 mile stretch between Gettysburg and Charlottesville has “soaked up more of the blood, sweat and tears of American history than any other part of the country” according to the late historian C. Vann Woodward. Follow Routes 15 and 20 south, through territory filled with sites of from the Revolutionary and Civil wars. This stretch of land is under threat of development and has been named as one of 11 of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places. History becomes real when you see where brother fought brother and hear the stories of civilians who were caught in the middle, sometimes with opposing troops fighting from the front and back porches at the same time. Visit the homes of the founders of the constitution and see how their daily life influenced the decisions that now affect your daily life. For more information on the route, the sites, and the effort to preserve this essential portion of American Heritage go to
www.hallowedground.org.
MAP PACK Washington DC delivers all of this in a convenient carrying case (measuring 4 ¼” x 1 ¼” x 9”) that makes it easy to carry and store your maps. By purchasing this set you’ll save $5.00 over purchasing the maps individually.
Maps of Washington DC - MAP PACK - Scales:
STREETWISE® Washington DC MapMain Washington DC Map 1:31,000
Washington DC Mall Map 1:19,000
Washington DC Area Map 1:450,000
Washington DC Metro Map N/A
ARTWISE® Washington DC MapMain Washington DC Map 1:24,000
Washington DC Metro Map N/A
STREETWISE® Baltimore MapMain Baltimore Map 1:25,000
Baltimore Area Map 1:180,000
Downtown Baltimore Map 1:12,500
MINI METRO Washington DC Metro MapWashington DC Mall Map 1:15,800
Washington DC Metro Map N/A
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