I've been traveling the central part of the United States and researching for a new book (from a surveyor's perspective) to be titled "THE GEOGRAPHICAL CENTERS". It will pertain to the various claims that were made to be the geographical center of the United States and North America. I begin in the 1860's and trace the geographical center from Fort Riley, Kansas to Smith Center to the current location near Lebanon, Kansas. (With a few incidental claims in between). Then trace the movement to western South Dakota near Castle Rock and Belle Fourche with the addition of Alaska and then another shift with the addition of Hawaii.
Also, the controversy with the geographical center of North America being first claimed at Pierre, SD, and then at Rugby, ND. There is also another lesser known monument 15 miles south of Rugby tucked away in some trees closer to the designated spot that few know about that was built by a private individual.
Then I have a very detailed chapter on the geodetic center at Meades Ranch since the average person doesn't understand its significance or difference from the geographical center. Finally, some modern-day efforts to come up with a solution using computers and satellite imagery and how if a center was determined today, it would be in a much different location. There has also been disputes as to what method to use when finding the center of an irregular-shaped mass. I am hoping to have this published and ready by next summer.
Below is an article in today's Pierre Capital Journal.
Below are photos of the Pierre monuments from 1923 and 1928. The second was an exact replica of the first which was either struck by lightning or blown up with dynamite. Neither are standing today. The third photo is the monument at Rugby built in 1932.
