The geometric center of a place is when you draw an X from corner to corner and the place at the middle of the X is the center. In New Mexico, this lands on Leroy Humphries 7 Up 7 Down Ranch. Now don’t get discouraged just yet, thinking your chances of actually seeing is just diminished. Leroy, a Native New Mexican, is quite inviting about the Center, located at N 34° 27.446′ W 105° 51.406′.
In 2010, Leroy decided to celebrate his families 100-year anniversary on the land by creating an enclosed dedication. That includes a flag pole whose base is in the shape of New Mexico with diagonal lines (AKA leading to the center) and a bench for those who want to ponder on the area.
If you do decide to visit the Center, please remember that this land is Leroy’s home and ranch, please be respectful. If the gate is closed, you can park at the gate and walk to the Center which is approximately 100 yards or 1/4 of a mile. If the gate is closed keep it closed, it’s closed for a reason (Livestock escapes, privacy, etc).
Directions from Estancia, NM:
Go south on NM
At Willard continue South on NM 42
Approximately 21 miles you’ll see a green metal road sign announcing “Cntr of NM Trail”
Turn down that Road, it’ll lead you straight there!
The geographic center actually lands on a completely empty, untouched plot of land at 106°6.7′ W 34°30.1′ N. If you ever wanted to visit here.
***Geocacher Alert*** – There is a geocache here! See Sources for a Link.
Sources:
ABQ Journal Upfront – Sunday, August 08, 2010
Geographic Centers of The United States
Gateway to Humphries’ Center of NM Cache
Header Image: “Gateway to the Geometric Center of New Mexico” © Tamra Hays
Leroy Humphries Image: “Leroy Humphries has found the center of New Mexico (the place where diagonals cross) on his 7 Up 7 Down Ranch.” © Leslie Linthicum
Hidden Secrets NM 