Point of Beginning
Discover the national surveying story that helped shape the public lands of the United States under the Land Ordinance of 1785.
A starting point with national reach
Near East Liverpool, the Point of Beginning connects a small river-border site with the federal public-land survey conducted under Thomas Hutchins and the Land Ordinance of 1785. The survey helped establish a systematic way to divide public land into townships and sections. Its importance lies in that national surveying story, which still shapes how land is described and understood.
Put the monument in context
Approach this as a thoughtful heritage stop rather than a large indoor attraction. Read the monument and the sourced story in this guide, then consider how an abstract grid became part of the landscape across a growing nation. Combine the visit with downtown museums or other riverfront stops. Check your route and parking arrangements before traveling to the border-area location.
Before you go
- Read the marker and explore the story of Thomas Hutchins and the first federal public-land survey.
- Check roadside access and posted information; the monument marks the story near the original survey point.
Story sources
Published story & visitor information ↗
Story reviewed 2026-10-03. Confirm current access directly.