A mysterious monolith was discovered protruding from rocks in a remote mountain range near Las Vegas, sparking intrigue and speculation. The 6-foot-4 prism appeared to be similar to the monoliths that had previously appeared around the world, resembling those in Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The Las Vegas police search and rescue team found the object near Gass Peak in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, a habitat for bighorn sheep and desert tortoises. This discovery was part of a series of mysterious columns that had been popping up since 2020, including in Utah, Romania, California, New Mexico, and downtown Las Vegas.
In November 2020, a similar metal monolith had been found deep in Utah’s red-rock desert. Concerns about public safety and environmental impact arose as tourists flocked to the remote site, flattening plants with their vehicles and leaving behind waste. Authorities worked to keep the location of the monolith secret, but internet sleuths quickly found the coordinates. Multiple sightings of monoliths occurred around the world, with each disappearing as quickly as it appeared, adding to the enigmatic lore surrounding these objects. Lt. Nick Street of Utah’s Department of Public Safety asserted that the monoliths were not of extraterrestrial origin.
Following the removal of the Las Vegas monolith due to concerns about its impact on the protected wildlife sanctuary, authorities kept it hidden in a secret location while determining the best course of action for disposal or storage. The reflective metal structure, constructed as a prism and reinforced with rebar and concrete, left a large indent in the ground upon removal. The police department warned against straying from marked trails and leaving objects behind, citing the potential dangers to both individuals and the environment. In Utah, the removal of the monolith there also resulted in a hole in the red rock formation, prompting ongoing investigations by the Bureau of Land Management.
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge, where the Las Vegas monolith was discovered, is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and spans an extensive area outside of Alaska, covering over twice the size of Rhode Island. The refuge is home to rare plants, desert tortoises, and bighorn sheep, making it a vital conservation area. While the removal of the monolith aimed to protect the sanctuary’s ecosystem, questions remained regarding the origin of these mysterious installations and the intentions behind them. The authorities were unable to determine how the monolith arrived at its location or identify the individuals responsible for its placement.
As the mystery surrounding the monoliths continued to captivate the public’s imagination, with sightings and disappearances occurring across various regions, speculation mounted regarding potential artistic statements, pranks, or elaborate hoaxes. The monoliths’ sudden appearances and removals, as well as the disruptive impact on natural habitats, fueled speculation and discussion online and in the media. While authorities sought to address the safety and environmental concerns posed by these structures, the enduring mystery of their origins and purpose remained unsolved. Ongoing investigations and public curiosity added to the intrigue surrounding these enigmatic monoliths, ensuring that the phenomenon would be remembered as a peculiar and captivating episode in recent history.
