The Initial Point of Boundary Between U.S. and Mexico (Monument No. 258) is the westernmost boundary marker on the international boundary between the United States and Mexico and as such has since its erection marked the southwestern corner of the Continental United States.[2] According to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the initial border point is set as one marine league (three nautical miles) south of the southernmost point of San Diego Bay, and the border proceeds in a straight line towards the confluence of the Colorado River and the Gila River.[3]
| Initial Point of Boundary Between U.S. and Mexico | |
|---|---|
.jpg) The monument in a 1974 photo | |
| Location | S of Imperial Beach off Monument Rd., Imperial Beach, California |
| Coordinates | 32°32′4″N 117°7′19″W / 32.53444°N 117.12194°W |
| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1851 |
| Governing body | Federal |
| Designated | September 6, 1974 |
| Reference no. | 74000550[1] |
  location in Imperial Beach, California | |
The significance of the monument is stated in the inscription on the west side of the original marble shaft:[2]
"Initial point of Boundary between the United States and Mexico, established by the Joint Commission, 10 October, A.D. 1849, Agreeably to the Treaty dated at the City of Guadalupe, Hidalgo, February 2, A.D. 1848. John B. Weller, U.S. Commissioner. Andrew B. Gray, U.S. Surveyor.
History
editThe boundary marker was first established as a cairn of rocks in 1849 following the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. A white marble shaft was manufactured in New York, transported around Cape Horn on the USS Supply to San Diego, and erected and dedicated at the site in Imperial Beach in June, 1851. The marble monument was an obelisk about 20 feet (6 metres) in height, resting on a marble pedestal. On its top was an inverted acorn to symbolize the strength and stature of the California live oak tree.[2]
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In 1894 it was found that the initial monument had become so mutilated by visitors that its outlines were nearly destroyed, and its inscriptions partly obliterated. The Barlow-Blanco Commission had the monument renovated in San Diego, reconstructed at the site, and protected with an enclosure in 1894. Excepting for normal wear and tear and some slight vandalism, as of 1974 the marble monument as reconstructed in 1894 still stood at its original site.[2]
Pursuant to President Richard Nixon's "Legacy of Parks", Mrs. Pat Nixon in August 1971 turned over 372 acres (151 ha) of surplus Navy land, formerly known as Border Field, to the people of California as a beach park. The area is now known as Border Field State Park.[2]
Prior to 1994, the US-Mexico border fence bisected the marker. In 1994, access to the marker was inhibited from the United States side by Operation Gatekeeper.[4] The current border fence passes several feet to the north of the marker, and it is possible to fully circumambulate the monument from Playas de Tijuana in Mexico, where it remains a popular attraction.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e Raney, Morris H. International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. Section. Nomination form to the National Register of Historic Places (copied verbatim, allowed as per WP:PD, as the author is a federal employee acting in an official capacity)
- ^ Levanetz, Joel. "A Compromised Country: Redefining the U.S.-Mexico Border" (PDF). San Diego History Center. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
- ^ Zaragoza, Barbara (23 June 2015). "The San Diego-Tijuana Boundary Monuments". San Diego Free Press. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
"Friendship Park and Boundary Monument 258". San Diego Compass. Barbara Zaragoza. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
Zaragoza, Barbara (April 2015). "The San Diego-Tijuana Boundary Monuments". South Bay Historical Society Bulletin (8): 1–13. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
