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Felicity, California: Official Center of the World

Jacques-Andre Istel, mayor of Felicity, discovered the Center of the World near the California-Arizona border.

Visitor Tips and News About Official Center of the World

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History of Humanity memorial wall.

History in Granite

We trust you stay well. The attached panel from the granite "History of Humanity" is pertinent during this pandemic.

"During epic disasters, one learns, there is more to admire in human nature than to despise." -- Albert Camus

All the best.

[Jacques Istel, 04/22/2020]

Center of the World.

Center of the World

This location is all based off of some children's book. This is 100% a weird/strange place to stop; if it weren't for all this granite and church this would just be another desert ghost town. Worth the stop if you're not afraid of the potential of an alien abduction.

[Bro&Bettie, 05/15/2011]

The arm points the way to the center of the world.

Center of the World Pyramid

The Center of the World Pyramid and Stairs from the Eiffel Tower are clearly visibile from I-8. A bargain $1.50 tour fee gets you inside the Pyramid -- provided it is the time of year when the town is open and accepting visitors (visitors are always welcome, you just can't get inside the pyramid without being escorted by a townsperson). After viewing a five minute videotape on the origins of Felicity and the meaning of the Wall of Ages, my little group was escorted into the pyramid, where we were instructed to place a foot over the dot in the center of the pyramid marking the Center of the World and make a wish while looking towards the Chocolate Mountains.

Two parts of the Wall for the Ages are being constructed more or less at the same time. Each slab of the wall is 2 inches thick, made of marble, and weighs over 400 lbs. Anyone can pay for a section of wall and have whatever they want carved into the marble, but only if it is "noble in nature." The base for each wall section contains something like 3000 lbs of concrete.

The Michaelangelo Arm/Sundial points towards the future Chapel on the Hill. Groundbreaking for the hill started 3/11/2001.

The gift shop is well stocked and contains some nice Felicity Pyramid postcards. Since Felicity has it's own post office, you can postmark your cards from Felicity, CA.

[Greg Brown, 04/14/2001]

Eiffel Tower stairs.

Center of the World Eiffel Tower Stairs

The Center of the World's Eiffel Tower stairs have a tall fence surrounding them to discourage anyone from actually climbing them. The stairs are slowing rusting away, but still in good shape for being 111 years old.

[Greg Brown, 04/14/2001]
Wall That Heals to be Added to Official Center of the World

Jacques-Andre Istel, Mayor of Felicity, CA, sends us news that a new wall is being erected at the Official Center of the World. "You are cordially invited to the dedication of the MARINE CORPS KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL on 7 March 1998 at 4 p.m....

[11/29/1997] Complete News Story

Official Center of the World

Address:
1 Center of the World Drive, Felicity, CA
Directions:
Take the I-8 Sidewinder exit 164. North side, follow signs for Felicity.
Hours:
Daily Dec-Mar. Honor fee Apr.-Nov. while unstaffed, structures locked. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
760-572-0100
Admission:
$10/person, addtl. for tour and certificate.
RA Rates:
The Best
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

The MoundThe Mound, Winterhaven, CA - 2 mi.
Imperial Valley Sand DunesImperial Valley Sand Dunes, Winterhaven, CA - 7 mi.
Giant Diamond RingGiant Diamond Ring, Winterhaven, CA - 9 mi.
In the region:
Chopper on a Pole, Yuma, AZ - 23 mi.

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