You’ll discover Monse as a fascinating ghost town nestled in north-central Washington, where seven historic houses and a distinctive red brick schoolhouse stand as remnants of an early 20th-century farming community. The 60-acre settlement once thrived with agricultural activity, community gatherings, and daily life centered around its general store’s bustling porch. When listed for sale in 2003 for $575,000, this slice of Washington history offered a rare glimpse into rural American life that continues to intrigue visitors today.
Key Takeaways
- Monse is a former agricultural settlement near Brewster, Washington, covering 60 acres with seven houses and a schoolhouse.
- The ghost town was listed for sale in 2003 for $575,000, including 60 acres divided into 100 parcels.
- Community life centered around farming activities and social gatherings at the general store’s porch.
- Essential structures included a red brick schoolhouse that once educated over 110 students.
- The town represents early 20th-century rural Washington life but struggled to find buyers despite its historic appeal.
Discovering a Hidden Gem in Rural Washington
Nestled in the rugged terrain of eastern Snohomish County, Monte Cristo stands as one of Washington State’s most fascinating ghost towns at an elevation of 2,762 feet.
You’ll find this hidden treasure tucked between Silvertip Peak and Cadet Peak, where the South Fork Sauk River begins its journey through the mountainous landscape.
Your ghost town exploration starts at Barlow Pass Trailhead, leading you on a 4-mile trek along the historic miner’s road.
The town’s historical significance comes alive as you discover rusty mining equipment, building foundations, and remnants of the once-bustling Boston American Mining Company Cook House. Similar to old mill ruins found in Nighthawk, these structures tell the story of the region’s mining heritage.
Founded in 1889 after Joseph Piel’s mineral discovery, Monte Cristo thrived as a gold and silver mining community until 1907, later attempting life as a resort town until 1983. During its peak, Frederick Trump’s hotel served the countless miners who flocked to the area seeking their fortune.
Life in the Former Farming Community
While many Washington ghost towns emerged from mining booms, Monse flourished as an agricultural settlement north of Brewster, where daily life centered around farming, community gatherings, and the rhythms of rural existence.
You’d have found a tight-knit community where farming traditions shaped every aspect of daily life. The general store’s porch served as the social hub, where neighbors shared stories and children played freely. Current owners Donna and Fritz Van Doren recently moved to East Wenatchee, leaving the town’s future uncertain. Like the early mining communities, the town had its own local newspaper and bustling commercial establishments.
Rural friendships blossomed through shared work in the fields and leisure time spent swimming and fishing in the Okanogan River. Seven houses, a schoolhouse, and essential services spread across 60 acres supported this vibrant farming lifestyle.
Whether you were tending crops, exchanging goods at the store, or gathering for community events, life in Monse embodied the independent spirit of early 20th-century rural Washington.
A Town for Sale: Real Estate Details
In 2003, the entire ghost town of Monse hit the real estate market with an asking price of $575,000 – a rare opportunity to own a piece of Washington history. For this price, you’d get 60 acres divided into 100 parcels, featuring seven houses, an old schoolhouse, general store, and post office, all nestled near the scenic Okanogan River.
For just $575,000, own an entire Washington ghost town: Monse offers 60 acres, historic buildings, and endless potential.
Despite the ghost town appeal and relatively affordable Monse pricing compared to other similar properties, the town struggled to find a buyer. Like many unincorporated ghost towns, Monse lacked traditional governance structures and required residents to use highway mailboxes for postal service.
While ghost towns typically attract those seeking escape from urban life or unique investment opportunities, Monse remained unsold by 2008. Similar to The Grove, Texas, Monse’s isolated location contributed to its decline after transportation routes changed.
Unlike higher-priced ghost towns with preserved mining facilities or tourist potential, Monse’s farming community roots and aging structures presented both challenges and opportunities for potential buyers seeking their own slice of rural freedom.
Historical Buildings and Notable Landmarks
The centerpiece of Monse’s historical landmarks stands as the red brick schoolhouse, which educated over 110 students daily during its peak in the 1950s before transforming into the Molson Museum.
Inside, you’ll find extensive pioneer artifacts and educational exhibits that showcase early community life. The town’s early development was sparked by gold rumors in the late 1800s.
The site’s pioneer architecture reflects the town’s mining heritage through carefully preserved structures, including an assay office, bank building, and authentic homestead cabins. Admission is free for visitors to explore these historical treasures.
You can explore the old saloon, law office, and machine shed housing vintage farming and mining equipment.
A historic windmill towers above the scattered mining relics, while the original railroad infrastructure remains visible near the townsite.
The museum complex, established in 1960, invites you to step back in time through its year-round outdoor exhibits and photographic opportunities.
Local Stories and Community Memories
Beyond the physical structures that dot Monse’s landscape, rich personal stories paint a vivid picture of daily life in this once-thriving farming community.
Through oral traditions and community nostalgia, you’ll discover tales of neighbors gathering on the general store’s front porch, sharing news and forging lifelong bonds. Like many historic sites in Okanogan Country, Monse tells stories of resilience and community spirit. Miners would often leave behind carbide graffiti markings to document their presence in the tunnels.
Local residents, like Juli Doty, recall cherished memories of:
- Children riding bikes through dusty streets and swimming in the rejuvenating Okanogan River
- Farmers meeting at dawn on the store’s porch to discuss crops and weather
- Families coming together for social events at the old schoolhouse, strengthening community ties
These stories preserve Monse’s spirit, reminding you of a time when small-town life moved at a gentler pace and neighbors truly knew one another.
The Future of Monse: Preservation Opportunities
As Monse stands at a critical turning point in its history, preservation opportunities have emerged that could shape the ghost town’s future trajectory.
You’ll find valuable lessons in the preservation strategies successfully implemented at other Washington ghost towns like Monte Cristo, where public-private partnerships have proven effective in site protection and restoration.
The key to Monse’s future lies in community involvement and establishing a dedicated preservation organization, similar to Monte Cristo’s MCPA model.
Local participation and an organized preservation group will determine whether Monse’s heritage survives for future generations to experience.
You can help develop sustainable tourism opportunities while protecting historical structures through careful infrastructure planning and environmental considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Wildlife Species Can Commonly Be Found Around Monse Today?
You’ll witness a mind-blowing wildlife diversity around Monse, from black-tailed deer and coyotes prowling the forests to various bird species like red-tailed hawks soaring and western bluebirds fluttering nearby.
Are There Any Reported Ghost Stories or Paranormal Activities in Monse?
You won’t find documented ghost sightings or paranormal investigations in Monse’s history. Unlike other Washington ghost towns, this former farming community lacks supernatural tales or unexplained phenomena in its historical records.
How Accessible Is Monse During Winter Months?
Winter wandering’s wickedly challenging here. You’ll face potentially perilous snow conditions without plowed roads. Don’t attempt winter travel unless you’ve got a 4WD vehicle and serious survival gear ready.
What Native American Tribes Originally Inhabited the Monse Area?
You’ll find the Methow people were the primary inhabitants of this Columbia Plateau region, sharing cultural and economic ties with neighboring Middle Columbia Salish tribes of historic significance, including Chelan and Okanogan.
Does Monse Have Any Remaining Operational Utilities or Infrastructure?
You won’t find any operational utility services or infrastructure maintenance here – no electricity, no water, no gas. The remaining buildings stand abandoned, deteriorating without active utilities or public services.
References
- https://www.foxnews.com/story/wash-town-put-itself-up-for-sale-5-years-ago-still-hasnt-found-buyer
- https://stateofwatourism.com/ghost-towns-of-washington-state/
- https://okanogancountry.com/ghost-towns
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNWs2U2_Tdk
- https://www.discoverorovillewa.com/post/old-molson-ghost-town
- https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/exploring-ghost-towns-in-washington-state-16095136.php
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Saj0oIS4tc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVveO9uJBvc
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Cristo
- http://www.ghosttownsusa.com/molson.htm
