Belle Fourche in Butte County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Welcome to Belle Fourche
The Geo Center of the U.S.
June 22, 2006
1. Welcome to Belle Fourche, The Geo Center of the U.S. Marker
In 1959 following the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the Union, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic survey officially designated a point 20 miles north of Belle Fourche, South Dakota as the Geographic Center of the Nation.
Entry of Alaska and Hawaii as states moved the site from its old position in Smith Center Kansas to Butte County, South Dakota.
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic survey announced that the location of the new center is at Latitude 44 degrees, 58 minutes North, and Longitude 103 degrees, 46 minutes West.
Erected by South Dakota State Historical Society, South Dakota Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.
Location. 44° 40.44′ N, 103° 51.186′ W. Marker is in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, in Butte County. Marker is on 5th Ave (U.S. 85) near Edmunds Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche SD 57717, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Western Cattle Trail (here, next to this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Butte County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Korean War Memorial
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Before this marker was erected, a wooden sign commemorated the Geographic Center.
Photographed By Michael J. Varanelli, June 1, 2014
2. Actual Marker
This is the actual center of the nation. About 20 miles outside of Belle Fourche. Off of a dirt road in the middle of a field.
3. Welcome to Belle Fourche, The Geo Center of the U.S. Marker
4. This benchmark marks the spot
A Reference Mark and Benchmark were installed at the actual Geographic Center of the Nation in 1962. This is the actual Benchmark.
5. The Reference Mark pointing toward nearby Benchmark
A Reference Mark and Benchmark were installed at the actual Geographic Center of the Nation in 1962. This is the Reference Mark.
Photographed By Michael J. Varanelli, June 1, 2014
6. Geographic Center of the U.S.
The actual marker is not seen in this photo. It is embedded in the concrete at the base of the U.S. flag. My four children are pictured.
7. The new Geographic Center of the Nation Monument
Located at the Center of the Nation Visitors Center is this 21 foot diameter structure made of etched South Dakota granite. At the Belle Fourche area of the granite map is a twelve inch bronze marker provided by the National Geodetic Survey.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 8,287 times since then and 183 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 21, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 16, 2014, by Michael J. Varanelli of Chantilly, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 21, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on January 8, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on January 6, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on September 16, 2014, by Michael J. Varanelli of Chantilly, Virginia. 7. submitted on January 7, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
