10/20/2013

Geographic center of the contiguous United States

From the center of the U.S.

In 1918 the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey endorsed this spot as the official geographic center of the United States. The spot was allegedly found by balancing a cardboard map of the U.S. on a point. A small park was built on the site by people from nearby Lebanon who were hoping to attract tourists. It's an out of the way spot and there is nothing to do there so tourists have never arrived in any great number. A motel was built near the site in the 40s or 50s that has been empty for many years. It's secured and maintained but not operating. It is out of the way but it's a nice place to stop for a picnic. I've been twice. Both times I've visited it was mostly empty but people do stop in for a quick picture in front of the marker, mostly leaving immediately afterwards. If you have AT&T cell service you wont be able to call anyone to tell them you're at the center of the U.S. No signal.

The "official" marker of the U.S. center

U.S. Center Chapel

U.S. Center Motel (closed)

Lebanon from the center of the U.S.

From the center of the U.S.

From the center of the U.S.

 

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