Mile markers have existed for thousands of years, stretching back to the Roman Empire, which marked its extensive road system with stones indicating the number of miles from Rome. These markers take their name from the Latin milia passuum, one thousand paces, which in the present day roughly equates to 4,850 feet.
A Marker of Miles
Roads today are generally marked every mile from the border or the state in which you are in. The numbers always start in the south or the west and increment up the farther north or east one travels. The information varies from state to state, with variations for the type of road. Information on these little markers can include the name of the state, the route name, emblems, other information, or just the number. They serve as a friendly reminder of how far you have come, and are used by first responders to communicate incidents.
The Ubiquitous Invisible
Mile markers reveal something about the place they are located and the people who live there. Their condition speaks to economic conditions and cultural contexts. Bullet holes, vandalism, worn surfaces, and twisted posts tell a story even if the details of that narrative have been lost. Look for them as you drive the highways and byways. Stop to appreciate them for their utility, their simple beauty, and their long legacy of service.
