The Auburn Milestone Marker

This antique Stone mile marker can be seen on the corner of Dearborn and Raymond Road. The letters and numbers let travelers know that it was "6 miles to the Chester Meeting House and 4 miles to the Candia Meeting House". 

In 1790, this stone marker let travelers know that it was 6 miles to the Chester Meeting House, and 4 miles to the Candia Meeting House.

The marker was installed by the Town of Chester before Auburn became its own town. It stands at the intersection of Dearborn and Raymond Roads and has been there since 1790. To put that date in perspective, George Washington, the first US President was in his first term of office.

Judging by the older picture of the stone, the marker was possibly spruced up for Chester’s Bicentennial in 1922. For many years since, it has remained quietly on its corner. Ray Racicot first became aware of the stone in the 1970’s when he worked for Road Agent Joe Stacy who was making repairs to Raymond Rd between Dearborn Rd and the Chester town line. Over the years, Ray spoke about returning the stone to a place of prominence.

In 2022, the Auburn Historical Association (AHA) approached the Board Of Selectmen about cleaning the site. Chairman Keith LeClair and the Board endorsed the plan. Road Agent Mike Dross, Mickey Rolfe, and Scott Rolfe moved the stone to the Town Shed for cleaning and provided base materials.

Dot Carpenter painted in the letters. Ray Racicot spent a day with his machinery preparing the site and standing up the stone. Deb Mancini took the photos. Joe Mancini and Dan Carpenter provided manual labor. The AHA installed a plaque "interpreting" Auburn's oldest sign post. We appreciate everyone who participated in this project!