Atlanta Zero Mile Post facts for kids
|
Western and Atlantic Railroad Zero Milepost
|
|
|
Formerly listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
|
|
Atlanta Zero Mile Post
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Central Ave. between Wall St. and Railroad Ave., Atlanta, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1842 |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000435 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 19, 1977 |
| Removed from NRHP | April 26, 2019 |
The Atlanta Zero Mile Post is a special stone marker in Atlanta, Georgia. It once showed the very beginning, or terminus, of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. This important railroad helped Atlanta grow into the big city it is today. The Zero Mile Post was recognized as a historical landmark and was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places for many years.
Contents
What is the Zero Mile Post?
The Zero Mile Post was a stone marker that showed where the Western and Atlantic Railroad officially started. It was located in a historic area of Downtown Atlanta, inside an old building. In 1958, the Georgia Historical Commission placed a historical marker near it. Later, in 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to American history.
Where Did the Zero Mile Post Go?
For a while, the Zero Mile Post was kept indoors. In the 1980s, a train station for a tourist train called the New Georgia Railroad was built around it. This meant the post was protected inside the building. When the New Georgia Railroad stopped running in 1994, the old station was locked up. You could only see the Zero Mile Post by getting special permission.
Why Was the Original Post Moved?
In October 2018, the original Zero Mile Post was carefully moved. It went from the old depot building to the Atlanta History Center. The old building was then taken down. This was done to make space for rebuilding two bridges nearby: the Central Avenue and Courtland Street bridges.
After the bridges were finished, a new, exact copy of the Zero Mile Post was placed where the original used to be. The Georgia Historical Society also put up a sign next to it. This sign helps people learn about the post's history.
Where Can You See the Zero Mile Post Today?
Moving the Zero Mile Post caused some discussion. Some people felt it lost its meaning by not being in its original spot. However, the Atlanta History Center says the post is now safe and well-cared for. They also believe the new copy is better for being outside.
Today, you can see the original Zero Mile Post at the Atlanta History Center. It's part of an exhibit called Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta. In this exhibit, you can also see the Texas locomotive. This is one of only two Western & Atlantic locomotives that still exist. It would have passed by the Zero Mile Post many times during its working life.
What Does the Zero Mile Post Look Like?
Mile markers like this one were usually placed along train tracks. They helped train crews know where they were on a route. The part of the Zero Mile Post that was above the ground is about 1 foot wide on each side. It stands about 42 inches (about 3.5 feet) tall.
The top of the marker is shaped like a pyramid. One side of the marker has "W&A RR OO" carved into it. "W&A" stands for the Western & Atlantic Railroad. The "OO" means it's the very beginning of the rail line. The other side of the marker says "W&A RR 138". When it was fully uncovered, the marker was 7 feet 5 inches tall. It weighs about 800 pounds!
