D&C 57

In answer to a yearning prayer by the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will thy Temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 57:Heading)

...the Lord answered among other things -

"...if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 57:3)

As I pondered that statement, I believe the Lord was answering that this would be the very center of Zion and from this center, Zion would begin to fill the earth where "stakes of Zion" would continue to be established, where the saints would gather, and be watched over and strengthened.  Just as Isaiah prophecied of Zion -

"Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:2)