September 12, 2016
When Alaska and Hawaii were added to the Union in 1959, the Geographic Center of the United States shifted northwest, from a point near Lebanon Kansas to a location near Belle Fourche, South Dakota (pronounced "Bell Foosh"). Of course, adding those two states irritated the Lebanonites to no end but put a smile on the face of every Belle Fourchian.
The marker lies about twenty miles north of Belle Fourche on U.S. Highway 85 and then seven miles down a dusty, dirt road. A U.S. flag marks the general location, though the exact point is about 15 feet away and is indicated with a metal survey marker embedded in concrete. It's a nice little place and I highly recommend it -- unless you're from Lebanon.
- To see my 360-degree panorama photo, click on the photo above.
- To read about my visit here, see News: September 12, 2016.