The smallest town in the United States has only one resident: she is the mayor, the librarian, and the owner of the bar
It stands out as a unique enclave where a single woman plays multiple roles and keeps the community alive.
Leer en español: El pueblo más pequeño de Estados Unidos tiene una única habitante: es la alcaldesa, la bibliotecaria y la dueña del bar
In the remote county of Boyd, Nebraska, you can find Monowi, a settlement that has captured the attention of media and curious people from all over the world for being the town with the lowest registered population in the United States. According to the 2020 census, this tiny place is home to only one resident, who fulfills roles that in any other city would be carried out by a complete team of workers. Elsie Eiler, the sole resident of Monowi, has become a local icon as she is the mayor, librarian, and owner of the town's only bar.
Life in Monowi is an extraordinary example of self-sufficiency and commitment. Elsie Eiler is in charge of managing all the administrative aspects of the town, from organizing meetings to carrying out official procedures and paying taxes. Interestingly, as the sole taxpayer, the mayor pays taxes to herself, ensuring the maintenance of basic services that allow this tiny enclave to function despite its size.
This unique situation has made it a case study in governance and sustainability in extremely small communities. The town's library, another cornerstone of the town, is administered by Elsie herself. This modest space, which has a collection of books ranging from classical works to contemporary literature, stands as a cultural sanctuary where knowledge is preserved and reading is promoted among the few visitors who come to the place.
The small bar, on the other hand, serves as a social meeting center, where both residents and tourists can share stories and enjoy the Texan hospitality that characterizes the rural Midwest area. The history of Monowi is as fascinating as its present.
Founded decades ago, this town has undergone transformations over time, going from being a vibrant community with several inhabitants to becoming an extreme example of population decline. Most of its former residents migrated in search of better opportunities, leaving Elsie as the sole heir of a tradition and a legacy that, despite adversities, remains intact thanks to her perseverance.
The phenomenon of Monowi has sparked the interest of academics and journalists, who have approached to document how a single person can manage the functions of an entire community. This curious example of local administration has been used to reflect on the importance of civic participation and the role of citizens in the construction and maintenance of life in a city, no matter how small it may be.
