Boston Stone might not be what you think

The Boston Landmarks Commission resorts to pesky facts to show that the Boston Stone might have had a more mundane origin than being the point to which all Boston-area mile markers refer - although it is possibly an indicator of how long Masshole drivers have been around:

When the Grandfather of the present owner, Mr. John Howe, purchased the house, a large stone was found in the yard. It was hollowed out on one side, from appearances was strapped, and probably used to grind paint. Being of no use in the yard, it was removed to the corner of the house to prevent carts from injuring the building.

Photo from the BPL. Creative Commons license.