I have done enough hiking and exploring to have come across many of these US Geodetic Survey markers on my journeys.  All of the ones I have seen have been on mountains or other high points of land.  I have read that they are also placed on some bridges and even the foundations of some buildings.  

What these mean to me has changed over the years.  I remember as a young child, it was part of the adventure of the journey to find these.  As I got older, these markers became more of a nod to those who came before me and walked these same trails, hills, and mountains.  

Today, when I come across one, I usually stop to read it, but I don’t search them out as I did as a child.  I still smile as I read the part of the marker that states, “Write to the Director, Washington, D.C. for More Information,” and wonder if, if I write, the information is still mailed out.  If you don’t want to wait for a reply, there is now an online database for all of the markers. 

There isn’t any disappointment if I don’t come across one as I reach a high point.  Cause humans shouldn’t mark some places.  

Schoodic Head 

Winter Harbor 

Maine