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The Octagon Before leaving the Philadelphia area, the Bavarian settlers who intended to settle in Saint Marys had a detailed city plan drawn up. The plan's main feature was a set of eight main avenues that formed an octagon, about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) on a side. Unfortunately, upon arrival at the planned location, they discovered Elk Creek meandering through the area, not to mention hills and valleys that prohibited construction of the octagon. Today, a vestige of the original plan can still be found, in the form of Joseph Road, Michael Street, St. Marys Street, and Theresia Road, which together do form a rough approximation of half an octagon. It's the 135-degree intersection of Michael and St. Marys that forms the Diamond, the modern-day center of downtown. |