The Center of the World

For Christmas this past year Jerry took Bruno and I to The Center of The World in Facility California. These are the things I learned. It started out with Jacques-André Istel (the founder), who bought 2,600 acres in the Sonoran Desert in the 1950s. 

Then in 1985, Michael J. Istel had an unconventional idea, to write a children's book as the first step towards making his concept a reality. His reasoning was that laws are logical and his idea lacked logic, so he needed to find something that no one could argue against. Thus, "The Good Dragon At The Center Of The World" was published, and Istel's book was praised for its engaging storytelling and its invitation to find invisible Good Dragons. Despite being a seemingly strange and even ridiculous idea, Istel, a French-born parachuting pioneer, was able to convince California's Imperial County Board of Supervisors to designate a spot on his property as The Official Center of the World. With no competitor, he even became the mayor of the town of Felicity, which he created the following year.

With one man's determination and vision, it led to the creation of an extraordinary and lasting monument in Felicity, California. The Official Center of the WorldTM. After being recognized by the Institut Géographique National of the French government in 1989, the decision was confirmed by European government geographic institutions. But this monumental achievement was not easily satisfied by its creator, who wanted something that would stand the test of time and become a symbol of greatness for generations to come. And so, with the help of structural engineers, he designed an impressive structure made of polished, red granite and reinforced with steel reinforced concrete, buried deep in the trenches. This monument, completed in 1991, continues to stand as a symbol of hard work,determination, and lasting legacy.

As a result, Istel's initial idea to honor US marines in the Korean War has evolved into a much larger project. The Museum of History in Granite now consists of 20 granite monuments, each one representing a different element of history. It serves as a unique and thought-provoking tribute to various events and individuals that have shaped the world we live in today. Istel's vision and dedication have created a truly remarkable monument that will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.

The stone triangles created by Istel serve as a unique and intriguing way to spark interest in various topics throughout history. However, the limited information provided on each topic may leave some readers wanting more in-depth knowledge. Despite this, visitors can still gain a broad understanding of a diverse range of subjects, from ancient civilizations around the world to modern-day events, through these concise yet thought-provoking sketches. Istel's stone triangles offer a creative and engaging way to learn about the world around us and would be an amazing tool for other states to implement to assist children of all ages in education.

A few examples are in 1809, US president James Madison proposed a cabinet post of Secretary of Beer. Hamburgers “account for nearly 60% of all sandwiches eaten”. The grizzly in California’s original Bear Republic flag “looked more like a pig than a bear”. The Mona Lisa is actually bigger than the original “you can actually touch this one”. The typical Wild West cowboy was “frequently hundreds of miles from the nearest bar or woman”. The TV mute button, which Istel considers “one of the world’s great inventions”, gets a mention. 

The property also features a variety of unique and unexpected art installations and architectural elements. These pieces may seem unrelated to each other or the surroundings, but they add an element of playful absurdity to the environment. Some notable examples include a 25ft section of the original spiral staircase from the Eiffel Tower, just how many of our ancestors climbed these steps that now are towering above the desert landscape, and a bronze replica of Michelangelo's famous 'Arm of God' sculpture from the Sistine Chapel, acting as the gnomon of a sundial. These unexpected and whimsical additions add a touch of fun and surprise to the property and remind us of our exquisite but forgotten former times.

The chapel also serves as a gorgeous and peaceful spot for visitors to reflect and find solace, regardless of their religious beliefs. Istel's decision to include the chapel on the property adds a unique and meaningful touch, creating a sense of unity and positivity among visitors. Additionally, the chapel's placement atop a hill provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, adding to its overall charm.