Right of Center?

March 15, 2007
In 1940, when a monument was erected marking the geographic center of the United States outside Lebanon, Kansas, the actual bragging rights belonged to

In 1940, when a monument was erected marking the geographic center of the United States outside Lebanon, Kansas, the actual bragging rights belonged to a farmer about three-quarters of a mile from the site. His reluctance to turn his farm into a tourist site led to the slightly off center placement.

Given that the Lebanon site was determined before Alaska and Hawaii were admitted as states, the argument can be made that the actual geographic center of the 50 United States is 17 miles west of Castle Rock, S.D.

Anyone seeking spiritual guidance in resolving the debate can do so at the U.S. Geographical Center Chapel, a four-pew facility in Lebanon, Kansas. But be forewarned, the chapel itself is mobile.