Center of state marked again on The Murfreesboro Post

Sidebar Ads

Center of state marked again

Related Articles

Re-enactors 'muster' on the Trace

Take a trek around MTSU campus with cell phone tour

In search of Uriah Stone

Newly found papers detail festival’s birth

Historians unveil new Civil War book

Author expounds on new book

Battlefield history aids economy

Volunteers add 1,000 plants near battlefield

Murfreesboro: Then and Now

Photo contest focuses on Tennessee’s Civil War heritage

View All

By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer

Posted: Monday, September 15, 2008 3:18 pm

Rutherford County Historical Society Pres. James R. Frances puts the finishing touches on the new plaque marking the geographic center of Tennessee.

Members of the Rutherford County Historical Society replaced the missing Geographic Center of Tennessee marker Monday afternoon.

“I’m glad the plaque is back in place,” RCHS member and owner of Hastings House Bed and Breakfast Jane Blakey said. “I love Murfreesboro, and I love to show people what’s here in town. It makes their stay even better.”

The Historical Society placed the marker in 1978 to honor the geographic center of the state as well as the nation’s bicentennial, but it was stolen several years ago, RCHS member Dr. E.C. Tolbert said.

Now a new plaque graces the native limestone monolith that sits off Old Lascassas Pike. The new bronze plaque was donated to the society by John Woodfin, Jr. at a cost of $1,300. The society took steps to make sure this one doesn’t get stolen by using heavy-duty concrete to seal it in place.

“We are very interested in the geographic center of the state being represented with this marker,” Tolbert said.

Or as longtime Murfreesboro resident Alice Ray put it, “It’s the middle of the state and you don’t have but one middle.”

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.

Tagged under heritage

Member Opinions:

By: Trvlace on 9/15/08
Didn't know someone had stolen the first one. But not surprised with the amount of apartments placed on old Lascassass now. I used to live right behind the marker. Never thought of vandalising something so treasured. We are after all, the "Hub" of Tennessee. Don't think I have heard that in years. Yes there are still a few of us locals around, albiet only a handful. Big Thanks to these guys and Bubba.

By: Sgt-Dan-Goodwin on 9/16/08
Outstanding! I always tell people I live smack dead center in the heart of Tennessee. Now the marker is back.

Hope it is well lit at night and neighbors will keep an eye open for vandals and metal thieves.

By: Farmall on 9/16/08
Hope it rust proof from urine. Used to be the college past time was to go mark the marker.

By: devolver on 9/16/08
Oh, I've peed on the marker.