Defining Boundaries

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You’ve probably noticed the Federal Boundary Stones when you’ve commuted from your Chevy Chase home to visit DC. The 35 fenced-in Boundary Stones were used in the late 1700s as a way to form a border between the nation’s capital and Maryland.  But do these historic Boundary Stones actually mark the true boundaries between DC and Maryland?  A recent article in the Washington Post has shed some light on the question.

Are the DC-Maryland Borders Really Accurate?

You might have heard that Western Avenue is the western-most boundary of DC. But that’s not entirely the case. A Boundary Stone placed a few yards away, close to the intersection of Fessenden and Western near Friendship Heights is the precise location of the DC-Maryland border.  The original boundary marked by the Boundary Stones is still kept today.

Are Some Homes in DC as well as Maryland?

In some areas, the boundary cuts right through several front (and back) yards. Most of these homes are still considered part of Maryland, even though the sidewalks in front of their homes may be maintained by DC.

About the Federal Boundary Stones

The Boundary Stones, the oldest federal monuments, were established after The Residence Act of 1790, which allowed President Washington to choose the site of the new capital. Major Andrew Ellicott was tasked with surveying and plotting the 100-square-miles with the Boundary Stones in 1791. The forty markers form a diamond shape between Alexandria and Maryland.

Boundary Stones Near Chevy Chase, MD

Along with the Boundary Stone NW6 off of Fessenden, there are three other stones nearby.
•    Boundary Stone NW7 is located on 5600 Western Avenue right by Chevy Chase Village. It’s actually located on a Chevy Chase homeowner’s front lawn.
•    Boundary Stone NW8 is also located on another Chevy Chase homeowner’s front lawn at 6422 Western Avenue. There is no iron fence to protect the marker.
•    Close to Rock Creek Park, protected Boundary Stone NW9 is located at 2701 Daniel Road.
Know of any interesting historical facts about Chevy Chase? Feel free to share with us.