Most Nebraskans know the story of Monowi, the incorporated town with just one plucky resident who fills every role in the town's government and the business community. But not far from Monowi is another almost-ghost town that's not quite as well known: Gross.
Gross, in Boyd County, is located on the northern border of Nebraska, between the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. It was founded in 1893 and named for a local shopkeeper.
Like so many other towns in Nebraska, Gross was founded by people who believed the railroad would soon be built through the area. If the town was right on a railroad route, the trains would bring businesses, customers, residents, and visitors in droves. It was a kind of prospecting that paid off for some folks but left others living in towns that would never truly thrive.
At its height, Gross boasted a population of 600. There were businesses, churches, and plentiful jobs for residents. But in the early 20th century, the railroad's new path failed to come through Gross. And soon after, residents began to leave in favor of nearby "railroad towns."
Two fires, one in 1909 and another a decade later, destroyed many of the town's homes and businesses, prompting even more residents to leave. By the last half of the 20th century, only a handful of Grossians remained. And by the 2010 census, there were just two.
Today, the town is mostly empty but for a few notable exceptions. The town jail, below, is one of the places that everyone passing through must see. It's an interesting historic structure located in the park.
The other must-see destination is the Nebrask Inn, the casual restaurant owned by the town's only residents. The restaurant serves some of the best burgers around, and people have been known to make impressively wide detours just to swing through this little town that refuses to become a ghost.
Don't feel too bad for Gross's residents; the nearby town of Spencer shares some services and resources with Gross. The town displays a sharp sense of humor about its small size, with one sign nearby announcing "Gross - Next 3 Exits" while another, advertising the Nebrask Inn, touts the "Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown." The restaurant's Facebook page boasts an impressive 2,000 likes - that's 1000 times the town's population for those keeping score.
The town may not be thriving in the traditional sense, but there are always people here socializing at the Nebrask Inn. The 80-acre townsite has been mostly reclaimed by nature, but it retains a very Nebraskan charm that's not at all diminished by its lack of residents. In fact, its quirkiness may even add to Gross's appeal.
Love tiny peaceful towns? Check out these 11 small towns that offer nothing but peace and quiet.
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