Information
Landmark: Carbon County CourthouseCity: Rawlins
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America
Carbon County Courthouse, Rawlins, USA Wyoming, North America
The Geographical Center of North America Monument is a marker located in Rugby, North Dakota, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The monument consists of a concrete obelisk approximately 2.1 meters (7 feet) in height. It is situated on a paved circular area with a surrounding grass field. A small plaque is affixed to the obelisk.
Location & Access Logistics
The monument is located 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) north of Rugby, North Dakota, along US Highway 2. Access is directly from the highway. A paved parking area is available adjacent to the monument site. No public transport services the immediate vicinity.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The monument was erected in 1931 by the Rugby Chamber of Commerce to mark the geographical center of the North American continent. The site is located on prairie land, characterized by flat terrain and grassland vegetation.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can take photographs at the monument. Information regarding the geographical center is available on the affixed plaque. The site serves as a point of interest for travelers.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are not available at the monument site. There is no designated shade structure. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. No food vendors are located at the monument.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for photography is during daylight hours, with morning and late afternoon offering softer light. The months of June through September provide the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor visits, avoiding winter snow and extreme cold.
Facts & Legends
The precise calculation of geographical centers can vary based on the methodology used. Rugby's claim is based on a specific calculation that includes islands. An older marker, a wooden cross, was placed at the site in 1918.
Nearby Landmarks
- 0.5km South: Rugby City Hall
- 1.2km South: Pierce County Historical Museum
- 4.8km South: Rugby Municipal Airport
- 15km East: Lake Metigoshe State Park