A portion of the National Rifle Range lies in this area. The idea for such a site originated with Congressional legislation in 1904, and the Army's growing emphasis on marksmanship, together with the belief that Fort Riley was the geographical center of the United States, made it an ideal location. Situated in the area known as Republican Flats, the original ashlar-cut limestone Target Berm to the north formed part of the range's backdrop and first appeared on Fort Riley maps in 1903. In 1941, as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps program, the berm was extended on both ends with cast concrete to support training needs that arose with the onset of World War II. Army marksmen from across the country took part in annual competitions at the National Rifle Range, and archeological surveys have confirmed the use of various types of firearms. The Target Berm of the National Rifle Range is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.