Milo Dailey, Belle Fourche Post/Bee
BELLE FOURCHE - A
granite compass rose was lowered in sections onto concrete slabs
Wednesday at the new Center of the Nation monument that will be
dedicated Tuesday, Aug. 21.
"We've been working
with this since May, but it's more impressive than what I believed
it would be," said Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce executive
Teresa Schanzenbach.
Four 4,500-pound
granite slabs were lowered onto dry ice on the concrete to form the
main section of the monument, then smaller granite "compass points"
were lowered into place in a cooperative effort by Belle Fourche
firms Wilen Masonry and Black Hills Monument.
Local artist Monte
Amende designed the monument.
"The local talent
that put this together is impressive," Schanzenbach said. "I think
the entire community is going to be shocked at what they see
Tuesday."
The monument, a
21-by-40 foot compass rose, cost about $70,000.
That's only Phase
1.
"Phase 2 will take
place next year when the bike path is completed," Schanzenbach
said. It will include an avenue of flags, brick paving, rest and
observation areas.
"This is something
bus tours will come to see," she said.
The monument is
just north of the Center of the Nation Visitor Center that houses
the chamber offices and the Tri-State Museum. Additional signage
will give directions to the precise position of the geographic
center of the nation 13 miles north of Belle Fourche on Hwy 85 from
the intersection of Hwy 85 and 212.
The spot is
designated the geographical center of the United States, if Alaska
and Hawaii are included.
Tuesday's
dedication ceremonies are a national observance.
The U.S. Geodetic
Survey will be on hand to note the geographic center's new
monument, and a NOAA/traveling geodetic survey display will be at
the museum through the week.
Sen. John Thune,
R-S.D., and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., both will speak
at the 2 p.m. dedication ceremonies.
The program has an
international aspect as well. Area amateur radio operators will
send messages to get as many responses as possible from other
states and countries starting at 9 a.m.
South Dakota Public
Television will have a live broadcast of "Uniquely South Dakota"
from the chamber office from 11 a.m. to noon.
The Belle Fourche
Cowboy Band opens the afternoon ceremonies with a short 1:45 p.m.
concert ending with the National Anthem before the 2 p.m.
dedication.
Immediately after
the dedication, the U.S. Postal Service will offer a limited
"Center of the Nation" stamp cancellation.
Everyone in Belle
Fourche and the area is invited to a free community celebration
picnic from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. served by the Lions
Club.
Live music by Barry
Pitt runs from 5 to 6 p.m.
If you
go
What: Center of the
Nation Monument dedication.
When: 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 21.
Where: Near the
Center of the Nation Visitor Center, Belle Fourche.
More info: A free
community celebration picnic will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30
p.m.
