How is the Geographical Center of the United States Determined?

When it comes to determining the geographical center of the United States, several methods and theories have been proposed. One common myth involves the concept of a balance or center of gravity, which, while intuitive, is not a precise or widely recognized method. Instead, the most recognized and used method involves a simple yet effective approach.

A Practical Method for Finding the Geographical Center

Here's a straightforward method to find the geographical center:

Find a detailed map of the United States, ideally on a rigid backer board for stability. Carefully cut out the map along the coastlines and international boundaries (between Mexico and Canada). Hang the map using a thumb tack and a weighted string, ensuring it is perpendicular to the surface. Start with the northeastern corner, near Maine, and trace a line across the map following the weighted string. Repeat this process with the southeastern corner, near Key West. Record where the two lines cross; this is the geographical center of the United States.

This method is simple and can be performed by a child, as it relies on basic geometry and the principle of symmetry.

More Complex Determinations

In addition to this straightforward method, there are more complex ways to determine the geographical center:

Geographic Center of the Contiguous United States

According to the Geographic Center article on Wikipedia, the center of the contiguous United States is located in North Dakota, at the Geographic Center of North America Rugby, North Dakota. This monument is notable and has served as a landmark for many years.

Including Alaska and Hawaii

For a more comprehensive calculation, including Alaska and Hawaii, the Wikipedia article on the Geographic Center of the United States provides a slightly different position. However, this does not fully account for the continentality and climate differences.

Theoretical Approaches

Another theoretical approach involves finding the point that has the lowest average distance to all other points in the country. This method is more complex and would require significant computational resources to calculate accurately.

Where is it Exactly?

The monument in Rugby, North Dakota, is the recognized geographical center of North America. The coordinates of the monument are 47.93889°N, 100.54000°W. This location is chosen because it is the farthest point from the ocean in North America.

Conclusion

While determining the geographical center of a country is not always straightforward, the most recognized and utilized method is simple and practical. The monument in Rugby, North Dakota, serves as a tangible reminder of this fascinating geographical point.

Additional Resources

For those interested in exploring more about the geographical center of the United States and its long history, the following resources may be helpful:

Geographic Center of the United States Geographic Center of the Contiguous United States Geographical Center of North America, Rugby, ND