Originally about five feet tall, the markers were placed at important entrance points to the national capital.

[3] The markers were designed by architect Edward Donn, who based them on the milestones set up in 1761 along the Mason–Dixon line denoting the Pennsylvania-Maryland boundary.

The cartouche depicts George Washington with Lady Justice, a laurel wreath, the rising sun, and the capitol dome.

[3] Each stone was originally surrounded by fences consisting of chains supported by four bollards and planting schemes designed by the Maryland and Virginia chapters of the Garden Club.

[3] The club installed at least 13 markers, including sets of two markers in Westmoreland Circle; Friendship Heights; Chevy Chase Circle; at the city's north portal at 16th Street NW near Silver Spring, Maryland; and at the Virginia ends of the Key Bridge and the Highway Bridge.