Even one like Monarch is one too many. One of the biggest scams in Nye County history gave birth to Monarch during 1906. The culprit? A Reverend Benjamin Blanchard. He authored the promotional scam that convinced people Monarch was the city of the future. He platted the townsite and sold more than 2400 town and ranch lots to the unsuspecting public. From other camps in Nye County, he transported boardinghouses, stores and shops to create the illusion of Monarch of the future. After collecting more than $75,000 from the unsuspecting public, he left town and more than $73,000 in debts. The ruins at Monarch are scarce. Only a few collapsed outhouses and some scattered wood boards mark the site.

Submitted by: Shawn Hall from his book Preserving The Glory Days: Ghost Towns And Mining Camps Of Nye County, Nevada Click here to purchase his book!