The image above shows a concrete marker standing in a wooded area. It is about knee-high, with a pointed top and two lines of letters carved into its face. It was found beside an old roadbed. Many people who find these markers wonder what they are. The answer lies in the history of the land itself.
What the Letters Mean
The letters on the marker appear to be “SRD” on the top line and “RIW” on the bottom line. Based on the location beside an old roadbed, this marker is likely a survey monument or property boundary marker. The letters may represent an abbreviation for a specific land survey, a railroad company, or a government agency that once managed the area. These types of markers were commonly placed to define property lines or to mark the route of old roads and railways.
Why It Is in the Woods
Many old roads and railways have been abandoned and reclaimed by nature. The roadbed you found it beside may have once been a busy route for logging, mining, or transportation. When the road was in use, these markers helped surveyors and workers know exactly where the boundaries were. Now that the road is gone, the marker remains as a quiet reminder of the past.
How to Learn More
If you want to know the exact meaning of the letters, you can try researching local history. Look for old maps of the area or records from the county surveyor’s office. You can also search online for the specific letters and the location where you found the marker. Local historical societies or hiking groups may also have information about old roads and markers in the area.
The Bottom Line
The concrete marker is a survey monument, likely placed to mark a boundary or a road route many years ago. It is a piece of local history. While the letters may not be immediately clear, they point to a time when the land was used differently. It is a fascinating find.
Have you ever found an old marker or monument in the woods? Share your story in the comments below.
