Few People Know This Charming Small Town Is NOT The Middle Of Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 25, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Utah is home to myths and urban legends that have been around for decades such as the Bear Lake Monster and vicious hobbits who live in Sugarhouse. While many Utahns don’t believe most of these myths, there are other stories that could quite possibly be true. Levan is a small town in Utah that has been the center of a myth for decades. However, you shouldn’t always believe everything you hear.
Levan is a charming small town in Utah that is located south of Nephi in Juab County. It has a population of approximately 900 residents.
For years, many Utahns have believed that this small town was located in the very middle of the state due to its name. Levan is the reverse spelling of the word “navel.”
Levan was first settled in 1868. It began as an agricultural community and was originally named Chicken Creek. The name was then changed to Levan by Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Today, as you drive through this small town, you will see many homes and buildings that date back to these first settlers.
In 2008, a Boy Scout, named Jesse Richmond from central Utah, decided to answer this question as he worked to earn the rank of Eagle. He contacted the United States Geological Survey to help him pinpoint the exact coordinates. This became a bit of a challenge due to several factors such as the curve of the earth, the center of gravity of the state, and even the state’s boundaries. However, he was able to find the geographical center approximately eight miles northwest of Manti and five miles west of Ephraim.
Richmond then worked to build a marker at the coordinates. Today, you can journey to this remote area, find this marker, and stand at Utah’s geographical center.
The GPS coordinates for the marker are N 39 23.200 W 111 41.100. You can drive to the trailhead, which is located at GPS coordinates, N 39 23.050 W 111 41.010.
No matter where the middle of Utah is, we are grateful to live in such a beautiful place!
Did you believe Levan was in the middle of Utah? Are you planning to visit the marker? Let us know in the comments! Make sure to take a map to the trailhead if you plan to visit.
Even Utah’s national parks have a fascinating history. Check out this article to learn a little more about one of our favorite national parks in Utah.
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