A Unique Life in Monowi
In the vast, rolling plains of Nebraska lies Monowi, a village so small it holds the distinction of being the only incorporated town in the United States with a population of just one. At 91 years old, Elsie Eiler is the sole resident of this tiny Boyd County community, located near the South Dakota border. For over two decades, since her husband Rudy passed away in 2004, Eiler has been the heart and soul of Monowi, taking on every role necessary to keep her town alive.
Eiler serves as mayor, town clerk, treasurer, librarian, and even bartender at the Monowi Tavern, the only remaining business in town. Her dedication is evident in her daily routine, where she manages everything from paying taxes to herself to granting her own liquor and tobacco licenses. 'I know I could always move closer to my children or stay with them whenever I want, but then I'd have to make all new friends again,' Eiler has said, expressing her deep-rooted commitment to staying in Monowi. 'As long as I'm able to be here, this is where I really want to be.'
The History and Heart of a Fading Town
Monowi was established in the late 19th century during a period of westward expansion in Nebraska, named after the wildflowers that once grew abundantly at its original site. According to local tradition, 'Monowi' means 'flower' in an unidentified Native American language. The town was platted in 1903 with the extension of the Mason, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, but over the decades, its population dwindled as economic opportunities shifted elsewhere. Today, remnants of its past stand as silent witnesses—abandoned homes, a collapsed general store, and an old grain elevator dot the landscape along Nebraska's Highway 12.
Since becoming the last resident, Eiler has drawn international attention for her resilience. Her story has been documented for over 17 years by journalists like Alyssa Schukar, who first visited Monowi in 2005. The Monowi Tavern, which celebrated its 50th anniversary recently, remains a gathering spot for folks from neighboring farms and towns, a testament to Eiler's hospitality. Despite the solitude, she takes pride in her independence, wearing a dark blue t-shirt that reads, 'Monowi? Yes, because Elsie says so.'
A Legacy of Resilience and Solitude
Eiler's life in Monowi is not just about survival; it's about preserving a legacy. She maintains Rudy's Library, a small collection of books in memory of her late husband, and continues to operate the tavern that serves as a social hub for the wider rural community. Her story resonates as a symbol of determination in the face of rural decline, a phenomenon affecting many small towns across the Midwest.
At 91—or possibly 94, as some sources suggest—Eiler remains a busy, working woman with no intention of leaving. Her presence ensures that Monowi continues to exist as an incorporated entity, defying the fate of countless ghost towns. While the future of Monowi remains uncertain after Eiler, her unwavering spirit keeps this one-person town on the map, captivating visitors and media alike with a story of singular perseverance in America's smallest village.