Center of the world in Felicity expanding its history

Felicity, a town not far from Yuma, holds the title of “Center of the World”. Along with the history of the universe, it will soon complete another chapter of our history.

“It is the first major engraving in stone actually in granite of animals since the cave etchings of stone antiquity,” said Mayor of Felicity Jacques-Andre Istel.

The 14-step process to complete took years.

“Just to do the text and the frames alone and then the artist comes to do the etchings by hand one by one,” said Istel.

Felicity’s newest engravings are animals that hope to share the engraved history on the panels with the future of the world.

“First because children and animals are friends. Second, because children represent our hope for the future,” said Istel.

Aside from the many engraved panels, several are left blank. Istel said he hopes Felicity continues to be a space for learning about our history.

“These monuments were designed for 4,000 years but what interests us is the opinion of students, scholars, and visitors 500 or a 1,000 years from now,” said Itsel.

The dedication of the Granite Monuments’ Animals of the World will be hosted on February 16th at 5 p.m.