Rugby in Pierce County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Geographical Center of North America
Photographed By Frankie, August 2, 2019
1. Geographical Center of North America Marker
Inscription.
Geographical Center of North America. . In January 1931, a U.S. Geological Survey determined the center of North America in Pierce County. The center is marked with a monument or cairn that is pyramid form in shape. It is 21 feet high, 6 feet wide at its base, and setting on a heart-shaped foundation. It was built across the highway, northwest of its present location, by W.B. Paterson and E.B. Paterson with assistance from local Boy Scouts and other young men in the community. The Rugby Lions Club donated cement and other materials used in the construction. It was completed in August 1932. The cairn is one of many fieldstone structures built in native stone. The structure was moved to it's present location in July 1971 when Hwy 2 was four-laned. When you stand at the base of our monument you are truly at the CENTER OF IT ALL! Another interesting stop before you leave the monument is the Native American writing rock located at the northwest corner of the building adjacent to the monument. The rock may be small, but it's history offers a tall tale. The rock, said to have been made by the early Native Americans, is carved with imprints of a human hand, an owl, bear paws and more.
In January 1931, a U.S. Geological Survey determined the center of North America in Pierce County. The center is marked with a monument or cairn that is pyramid form in shape. It is 21 feet high, 6 feet wide at its base, and setting on a heart-shaped foundation. It was built across the highway, northwest of its present location, by W.B. Paterson and E.B. Paterson with assistance from local Boy Scouts and other young men in the community. The Rugby Lions Club donated cement and other materials used in the construction. It was completed in August 1932. The cairn is one of many fieldstone structures built in native stone. The structure was moved to it's present location in July 1971 when Hwy 2 was four-laned. When you stand at the base of our monument you are truly at the CENTER OF IT ALL! Another interesting stop before you leave the monument is the Native American writing rock located at the northwest corner of the building adjacent to the monument. The rock may be small, but it's history offers a tall tale. The rock, said to have been made by the early Native Americans, is carved with imprints of a human hand, an owl, bear paws and more.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Landmarks • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1931.
Location. 48° 21.262′
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N, 99° 59.884′ W. Marker is in Rugby, North Dakota, in Pierce County. Marker is on U.S. 2, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rugby ND 58368, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Great Northern Depot (approx. 1.1 miles away).
Photographed By Frankie, August 2, 2019
2. Distances to Acapulco, Mexico and Arctic Circle, Canada
Photographed By Frankie, August 2, 2019
3. Geographical Center of North America Marker
Photographed By Frankie, August 2, 2019
4. Geographical Center of North America Marker
Photographed By Frankie, August 2, 2019
5. Flags at Geographical Center of North America Marker
Photographed By Frankie, August 2, 2019
6. Distances to Lubec, ME and Neah Bay, WA
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2019. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 23, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
