It’s official. The Center Of The Universe is located in the small town of Wallace, Idaho. Don’t believe me? Well, try to prove me wrong.

That’s the reasoning that mayor Ron Garitone had when he proclaimed Wallace as the Center Of The Universe on September 25, 2004. There’s even a plaque declaring the precise location (well, technically it’s a manhole cover). Visitors flock from all over the country to see it for themselves and take pictures while standing on it, just so they can say they’ve been to the Center Of The Universe.

Wallace, Idaho is a town of only 784 people according to the 2010 census. It’s a historic city located in Idaho’s panhandle, and was considered to be the silver capital of the world back in its heyday.

Jayjay P./Flickr

The manhole cover pinpoints the exact location of the Center Of The Universe, and is easily the most popular spot in town. Decorated as a compass rose, it contains the initials of the four major regional mining companies.

Oregon Ducatisti/Flickr

Seriously, there’s no missing it. It is located at the intersection of Bank and Sixth Streets. Why this precise location? Well, why not?

Sean Munson/Flickr

The mayor declared his town as Center Of The Universe in response to rules and regulations being threatened by the EPA. In 2002 the debate started over whether or not the town’s soil was actually safe or not due to the large amounts of lead sulfide in it. The town’s residents argued that since Wallace had spent decades as a silver-mining town with no notable ill effects that the soil was perfectly safe.

Robert Ashworth/Flickr

The EPA responded by saying that if the town couldn’t prove the sulfide to be safe, that therefore it was unsafe. And by that same logic, Wallace became The Center Of The Universe.

Sean Munson/Flickr

Whether it’s true or not, one thing is for certain— Wallace is a town of unique charm you won’t find anywhere else.

Oregon Ducatisti/Flickr

What do you think? Do you believe that Wallace is the Center Of The Universe? Click here for more unique Idaho attractions!

Jayjay P./Flickr

Oregon Ducatisti/Flickr

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