May 21,2020 ~ Nothing makes my day like stumbling upon an interesting and unexpected place or thing. Today we got lucky and did just that! Driving west on Hwy 29 in Wisconsin, we saw a nondescript, standard green and white sign that simply said “Geographical Marker” with an arrow pointing off to the right. We passed it at first, but talked about how we were in no hurry and decided to swing back and check it out.
The first sign on Hwy 29 gave us no hint as to what geographical marker warranted a special sign. The next sign off the highway did though…rewarding those who choose to veer off the highway to follow the mystery.
Well, how cool is that! You don’t get to go to a place like that everyday. We were so happy we decided to turn around and check this out. A short drive later, we found ourselves on Meridian Road where there was a nicely sized parking lot and a well maintained gravel path leading us out to the marker.
It was an easy walk out to the marker. There is a well thought out series of signs explaining latitude (which measures North or South of the equator) and longitude (which measures East or West of the meridian at Greenwich, England.). It is amazing to think that this system has been used, with only minor changes, since Ptolemy’s first world map in 150 CE.
There are four 45 degree – 90 degree points on Earth. This point in Wisconsin is the exact center of the Northwest Hemisphere. The only other one on land is in a mountainous area of China, and two are in oceans. These four points are the places that are exactly halfway between the geographical poles, the equator, the prime meridian and the 180th meridian. The following picture indicates where they are on a world map.
As you can see below, there is a circular concrete monument with waypoints embedded. There are also a few benches should you wish to sit and revel in the moment.
There is also signage regarding John Gesicki, a lifelong resident of the area, who recognized and promoted the importance of the place. He is the founder of the 45×90 Club. If you visit the marker, you can go to the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Center and sign the official Club Book to become a member. You will receive a two-side coin to signify your membership.
We were happy that we chose to stop and smell the roses that day. So, follow those obscure signs because you just never know what you will find!