Funny Life in a US Town with Only One Resident

Imagine living in a place where you’re the mayor, bartender, librarian, and the only person around to argue with is yourself. Welcome to Monowi, Nebraska. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the state, this tiny town has gained fame not for its size or skyline, but for its one and only resident: Elsie Eiler.

At first glance, it sounds funny, I mean, a town of one, run entirely by a single woman. But Monowi is very real, and Elsie’s life is filled with charm, resilience, and a bit of humor. Here’s a closer look at some interesting and downright uncommon things about this unique town.

How Elsie became the last one standing

Monowi wasn’t always this quiet. In the 1930s, it was home to around 150 people, thriving thanks to a nearby railroad and farming activity. 

But like many small rural towns, Monowi couldn’t escape the impact of the Great Depression and the gradual shift to city living. Families moved out over the decades, searching for better opportunities elsewhere.

By the year 2000, only two people remained, Elsie and her husband, Rudy. After Rudy passed away in 2004, Elsie chose not to leave. She stayed behind, becoming Monowi’s sole resident and a living reminder of the town’s history.

Monowi – Flower

The name Monowi carries a gentle meaning. According to tradition, it means “flower” in a Native American language, named after the wildflowers that used to bloom abundantly in the area. It’s a beautiful name for a place that, despite its emptiness, still holds a certain quiet charm.

Monowi covers just 0.21 square miles, that’s smaller than many city parks. It’s located in Boyd County, between the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. The nearest town, Lynch, is about 7 miles away, while Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, is nearly 200 miles southeast.

Despite its small size and remote location, Monowi still manages to attract curious travelers. Why? Because of the Monowi Tavern, Elsie’s bar, which doubles as the town’s unofficial welcome center. People from all over the world stop by for a drink, a chat, and a chance to meet the most famous one-person government in America.

Mayor, Voter, and Taxpayer — All in One

Elsie wears many hats. Every year, she holds a mayoral election which she wins, of course, because she’s the only voter. She jokes about it often, laughing at how she has to advertise an election she knows she’ll win. 

But her responsibilities are no joke. As the town’s only official, she submits an annual municipal road plan to qualify for state funding. She also raises taxes from herself to keep the town’s few services running, including water supply and three working streetlights. It’s government on the smallest scale possible, but Elsie takes it seriously.

Monowi’s Library

One of the most touching parts of Monowi is the Rudy Eiler Memorial Library, named after Elsie’s late husband. Rudy was a lover of books, and when he passed, Elsie created a small library filled with his collection over 5,000 books and magazines. 

Visitors are welcome to come in and borrow a book, using the honor system.

For Elsie, the library is more than just shelves of paper, it’s a tribute to the man she shared her life with and a symbol of the town’s soul.