Final answer:
The center of music publishing in the US from the late 1800s to the 1950s was known as Tin Pan Alley, located in New York City. It was significant for the sale of sheet music and reflected cultural trends and historical events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The center of music publishing in the United States from the late 1800s through the 1950s was famously located in an area of New York City, which came to be known as Tin Pan Alley. This area was the birthplace of many popular songs and saw the emergence of American popular music as a powerful cultural force. Sheet music sales dominated before recordings became prevalent, with songs often reflecting cultural trends, historical events like the Spanish-American War, and evolutions in musical taste and style. Over time, Tin Pan Alley's influence waned as the music industry expanded, and other forms of media became more dominant.