Historic Landmark: Center of U.S. Population - 1910s

This photograph features a man standing next to a memorial stone that designates the geographic center of the United States population. The image, taken between 1910 and 1915 by a Bain News Service photographer, captures a moment that highlights the changing demographics and migration patterns of the early 20th century. At that time, the center of population was located near the small town of Hartville, Missouri. The stone itself serves as a tangible marker of where the population balance shifted over the decades due to westward expansion and urbanization.

The concept of the center of population was established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which has been tracking the movement of population since the first census in 1790. This marker not only represents the physical location where the U.S. population was concentrated but also reflects broader social and economic trends, such as industrialization and the influx of immigrants seeking new opportunities. The image stands as a reminder of how people moved and settled across the country during this transformative time, shaping the nation’s identity and culture.