Initial Point
Initial Point marks the initial survey point for Indiana. Ebenezer Buckingham Jr. surveyed west to establish the original wooden post on September 1, 1805. This point represents the intersection of the Base Line with the 2nd Principal Meridian. The 1st Principal Meridian is the boundary line between Ohio and Indiana. From this point most of the real estate descriptions in the state were laid out.
A state historic marker on State Road 37 directs visitors from this state road down a Forest road to a trail that winds down to the site of the marker.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | year round |
---|---|
Fees: | none |
Open Season: | Year-round |
Usage: | Light |
Restrictions: | There is a short trail from the parking area down to the actual monument. No motorized vehicle, horses, or mountain bikes allowed on this trail. |
Closest Towns: | Paoli, IN |
Water: | none |
Restroom: | none |
Operated By: | USFS, Tell City Ranger District, 248 15th Street, Tell City, IN 47586; Phone: 812-547-7051 |
General Information
Directions: South of Paoli about 10 miles on SR 37. A state historical marker and a Forest Service directional marker indicate the turn-off. GPS Coordinates: LAT - 38o 28' 10.2" N Long - 86o 27' 20.9" WActivities
Interpretive Areas
Initial Point marks the initial survey point for Indiana. Ebenezer Buckingham Jr. surveyed west to establish the original wooden post on September 1, 1805. This point represents the intersection of the Base Line with the 2nd Principal Meridian. The 1st Principal Meridian is the boundary line between Ohio and Indiana. From this point most of the real estate descriptions in the state were laid out. There is a monument and interpretive sign at the initial point survey post. Another bit of interesting history is that this is also the site of "Hogs Defeat" - where settlers drove a herd of destructive wild hogs into the blind valley and destroyed them.