The Geographic Center Of The U.S.

By John Ellenby

Last updated:

center of the US

The United States encompasses extensive landscapes, making many folks wonder where the East and the West meet. Beyond mere geographical intrigue, the center of the United States also represents the intersection of a nation’s essence, heritage, and identity. Join us as we travel from the rolling plains to the rugged mountains and explore the middle point!

The Geographic Center Of The United States

The middle point of the U.S. is situated about 20 miles to the north of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, at 44°58’02.07622″ N, 103°46’17.60283″ W, considering all 50 states. The geographic center was originally located 2.6 miles northwest of Lebanon, Kansas. However, the debate over the exact location is still ongoing. A new study in 2015  revealed a new perspective, offering an alternative to the findings of earlier publications.

The Original Findings

Back in 1918, the United States National Geodetic Survey pinpointed the midpoint of the U.S. approximately 2.6 miles northwest of Lebanon, Kansas. Its exact GPS coordinates stand at 39°50’00” N 98°35’00” W. This calculation involved the lower 48 states, including New Mexico and Arizona, which had been added in 1912.

the United States National Geodetic Survey pinpointed the midpoint of the U.S

Without digital aids, the Geological Survey employed a rudimentary technique to identify the center point. Using a flat cardboard map representing the entire United States, the researchers positioned the cardboard on a pin and sought the equilibrium point, marking the heart of the country.

Though it was the most accurate calculation available then, the outcome deviated significantly. The method assumed the states were of uniform thickness. As a result, the latitude and longitude coordinates were approximately 20 miles askew from the actual center. Furthermore, as the heartland rested on farmland, the local government built a plaque about a half mile away in June 1940 for tourism purposes. 

Nonetheless, the discrepancy surrounding the location connected the towns of Junction City, Fort Riley, and Smith Center in their attempts to claim control of the U.S. center. On the bright side, the residents of Lebanon reaped the benefits of tourism. At one point, motels, souvenir shops, and cafes around the plaque served thousands of visitors each year. Tourists were drawn to witness the monument, the small chapel, and the flagpole in this prime location.

New Calculation

As mentioned above, the original method employed by the NGS resulted in certain flaws. It was evident that the United States featured uneven terrain, contrary to the assumption. Moreover, the assessment overlooked crucial factors like soil erosion and alterations in the coastline.

The inclusion of Alaska and Hawaii into the U.S. in 1959 also led to a significant change compared to the initial claim. The geographical expansion shifted the nation’s heartland approximately 550 miles to the northwest. The latest midpoint identified by the U.S. Coast and Topographic Survey is precisely 20 miles from Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Its exact GPS coordinates are 44°58’02.07622″ N and 103°46’17.60283″ W.

Geographical Center of the US Monument
Geodetic marker IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL The Center of The Nation in Belle Fourche Travel South Dakota

This location falls within privately owned grasslands. Due to the owner’s reluctance to develop the area into a tourist attraction, the NGS demarcated the spot with an underground concrete slab. However, the owner permits curious tourists to visit and capture photos around his private property.

Center of the Nation Monument, Belle Fourche

In a bid to offer a more accessible point of interest for visitors, the NGS designated an additional site within a 20-mile radius as part of the center. They also marked it with an American flag and a plaque. In 2007, the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce unveiled a 21-foot granite monument located about 20 miles away from the precise center point and near the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center. Known as the Center of the Nation Monument, this structure resembles a compass with a U.S. map.

Modern Discussions

While previous surveys identified midpoints based on certain assumptions, the United States Geological Survey has acknowledged the inherent challenge of achieving absolute precision. In 1964, their report emphasized the absence of an official definition and practical method to ascertain the U.S. center.

However, these challenges did not stop Peter Rogerson, a PhD holder from the University of Buffalo, from seeking a better approach to the problem. It was not until 2015 that he described his groundbreaking methodology through a publication in The Professional Geographer.

Rogerson utilized the azimuthal equidistant map projection that enhances the accuracy of the central locations. In simple terms, his calculation took into account the curvature of the Earth as a major factor. 

The results confirmed the geographic center of the contiguous 48 states at 39.8355 N, 99.0909 W. In fact, it belongs to the intersection of East Mohawk Road and East 1300 Road in Kansas – 5.5 miles from Kensington, 5.3 miles from Agra, and 29.5 miles west of Lebanon, Kansas.

See more:

Conclusion

Amid the ongoing discourse surrounding the center of the USA, research on this topic has revealed a host of intriguing revelations. However, we believe that the concept of midpoint transcends mere geographic demarcations. Ultimately, the evaluation boils down to your own preference for decisive factors, such as economic power, cultural richness, historical significance, and more. 

Beyond the physical divide that separates the nation, the essence of the geographic center of the country should gravitate towards the shared values and aspirations that bind Americans together.


Share on:

Leave a Comment