First, gaze in wonder at this Wikipedia page that proves there really is a Wikipedia list for everything: List of cities nicknamed Hub of the Universe - a list that has exactly two entries.

One of the entries is, of course, immediately recognizable (but just in case: Here's a refresher). The other, though, is Marion, IL.

What?

Bob Butler, who served 14 terms as mayor of the southern-Illinois city, population almost 17,000, came up with the nickname because the Williamson county seat is located "at the crossroads of Illinois Route 13 and Interstate 57."

Or as local commentator Jimmy Dean once wrote:

If Southern Illinois has a crown jewel to show off it is Marion.

"The Hub of the Universe" as coined by Mayor forever, Robert Butler, has many amenities other surrounding towns can only dr

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