Geographic Center of the United States (original) (raw)

Geographical Center of the United States monument
Geographic Center of the United States - Lebanon, Kansas

The Geographic Center of the United States (contiguous 48 states) is located about two miles northwest of Lebanon, Kansas. Take US Highway 281 north 1 mile, and turn west one mile on K-191 to the marker which was erected at the end of the paved road. The actual center of the contiguous states is about a half mile away in the center of a field which was once a hog farm.

There really isn't very much to see or do at the Geographical Center of the United States, but if you are passing through the area on US highways 36 or 281, it is worth driving the short distance from Lebanon. Sign the guest register and read some of the notes from previous visitors. If you think to plan ahead, bring along some toys or other small gifts to leave for the people who follow you.

The Geographic Center of the United States
Latitude 39 degrees 50 minutes Longitude 98 degrees 35 minute
NE 1/4 - SE 1/4 0 S32 0 T2S - R11W
Located by L. T. Hagadorn of Paulette & Wilson - Engineers
and L. A. Beardslee - County Engineer. From Data furnished
by U. S Coast and Geodetic Survey.
(The sketch on the plaque shows the calculation used to locate the center)

U. S. Center Chapel at Geographic Center of the United States
This U.S. Geographic Center Chapel was destroyed by a speeding vehicle which
missed the turn at the T intersection at the end of K-191 Highway on June 1, 2008.
It was replaced by the new chapel shown below.

The new U. S. Center Chapel

Interoir of the U. S. Center Chapel at Geographic Center
Interior of the U. S. Center Chapel

T intersection at the end of K-191 Highway
Approaching the Geographical Center of the United States in March 2008

Kansas Historical Marker on US Highway 36 near Lebanon, Kansas

T-shirts, postcards and souvenirs
No souvenirs are available at the Geographic Center, but T-shirts,
postcards and other items are available at Ladow's Market
415 Main Street, Lebanon, KS 66952

Geographic Cente family vacation
The Wilson Family of Topeka visiting the Geographic Center in 1970

During the 4th Quarter of Super Bowl LV, Bruce Springsteen and the Geographic Center of the United States
was featured in one of the most popular commercials.

Geographic Center of the United States Map

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