The Story
On August 21, 1959, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey recalculated the center of the 50 states after Alaska and Hawaii became states; the new point, about 20 miles north of Belle Fourche, replaced one in Kansas. Because the true point sits on inaccessible private pastureland, the town built a public marker — replaced in 2007 with a 21-foot-diameter, ~54,000-pound granite compass rose beside the Tri-State Museum.
Surprising Facts
→ The actual center point is NOT the monument tourists visit — it's on private pastureland ~20 miles north.
→ The center of the nation shifted roughly 550 miles when Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959.
→ The in-town monument wasn't built until 2007 — nearly 50 years after the point was designated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Geographic Center of the Nation Monument?
Geographic Center of the Nation Monument is at 415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD. Explore it on the When It Was interactive map.
How old is Geographic Center of the Nation Monument?
Geographic Center of the Nation Monument dates to 2007, making it more than 19 years old.
Can you still visit Geographic Center of the Nation Monument?
Yes — the site at 415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD still stands and remains in use today.