Garden Club of America Entrance Markers in Washington, D.C.
The Garden Club of America Entrance Markers in Washington, D.C. is a Multiple Property Submission, or MPS, on the National Register of Historic Places. The seven structures that make up the MPS are ceremonial markers at important entrance points to the District of Columbia from the state of Maryland. Sets of two markers are located in Chevy Chase Circle along Connecticut Avenue and in Westmoreland Circle along Massachusetts Avenue. A single marker is located along Georgia Avenue NW. They were erected in 1932-1933 as a part of the George Washington bicentennial celebration. Other events that commemorated the observance include the formal openings of the Arlington Memorial Bridge and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There were further plans to create other entrance pylons into the city and a north portal at 16th Street Northwest, but they were never carried out.
The markers were designed by architect Edward Donn. The design was based on the markers of the Mason–Dixon line that were installed in 1761 on the Pennsylvania and Maryland boundary. They are composed of Aquia Creek sandstone and bear the Seal of Maryland on one side and the Cartouche of the District of Columbia on the opposite side. The cartouche depicts George Washington with Lady Justice, a laurel wreath, the rising sun, and the capitol dome.
