page_title: Kilometre zero
section_title: United States
hierarchical_section_title: Kilometre zero / Countries / United States
caption_attribution_description: en:Zero Milestone (1923), The Ellipse, en:Washington, D.C.
context_page_description: In many countries, kilometre zero or similar terms in other languages is a particular location from which distances are traditionally measured. Historically, they were markers where drivers could set their odometers to follow the directions in early guide books.
  One such marker is the Milliarium Aureum of the Roman Empire, believed to be the literal origin for the maxim that "all roads lead to Rome".
context_section_description: The metric system is not the common system in the United States, but mile markers for most major roads begin at either their western or southern terminus. The mile-marking systems are generally within individual states; the mile count starts over when a state boundary is crossed.
  Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the original architect of Washington, D.C., proposed an otherwise unnamed reference marker in the form of a pole to be one mile [CONVERT] east of the Capitol that was never built.
  Although not used for measurement on U.S. roads outside the city of Washington, D.C., a Zero Milestone near the White House was proposed in 1919 and a permanent marker placed in 1923 by the Federal government, funded by the Good Roads Movement. However, the Capitol building is used as the zero point for the city including the nation.
  In New York City, Columbus Circle, at the southwest corner of Central Park, is the traditional point from which all official distances are measured, although Google Maps uses New York City Hall for the purpose.
  In the City of Chicago and some of its suburbs, the intersection of State and Madison is the defined zero point.
  In Los Angeles, the intersection of Main Street and 1st Street is the defined zero point. Hollywood's own zero point is at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. 
  Perhaps the most well-known 'Mile Zero' in the US, and the one that has spawned the creation of a popular bumper sticker, is in Key West, Florida, at the southern terminus of U.S. Route 1.
caption: Zero Milestone in Washington, D.C.
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