Life on the Prairie: Stories from a One-Person Town
August 1, 2024
How would you like to live in a place so secluded that your only neighbors are the tumbleweeds?
In this article from The Eater (shared by our fearless leader, Wintress Odom), the author, Kieran Dahl, tells the astonishing story of a woman who has a whole town to herself.
Monowi, Nebraska, is a unique town with a population of just one. Situated in Boyd County, this tiny town, surrounded by vast farmland and dirt roads, has garnered international attention due to its sole resident, 87-year-old Elsie Eiler. Since the death of her husband, Rudy, in 2004, Eiler has been the town’s only inhabitant, turning her into a global curiosity and an unexpected celebrity.
Contrary to what you may think, Elise Eiler’s daily life in Monowi is anything but mundane.
Eiler manages all municipal roles, from mayor to clerk, and runs the Monowi Tavern, the village’s only business. Her responsibilities include signing paperwork for funding, filing taxes, and maintaining the town’s infrastructure. The tavern, which Eiler has operated since 1971, is open six days a week, serving basic, affordable fare and American classic beers to locals and visitors alike.
Despite the isolation, Eiler’s life resonates deeply in the era of social distancing. Her ability to single-handedly keep Monowi functioning, coupled with her resilience and independence, has shifted public perception from viewing her lifestyle as a novelty to seeing it as a source of admiration. Monowi’s rich history, from its peak population in the 1930s to its present state, and Eiler’s dedication to preserving its spirit, make her story truly remarkable.
