If you are in Northwest Arkansas, you may already know about the curious Monte Ne ruins. The history behind these ruins is rather peculiar. They were constructed by William Hope “Coin” Harvey to create a haven in Arkansas. However, this venture was unsuccessful and now lies submerged under Beaver Lake. Let’s explore the area and discover what lies above and below the water’s surface.
The remains of Monte Ne serve as a faint reminder of its original goal as a planned community. Originally intended to feature numerous hotels surrounding Big Spring Lake, the founder ambitiously constructed a canal, made efforts to construct a railroad, and even founded a bank with a distinctive currency. Despite these lofty aspirations, the community’s grand visions were never fully achieved, leaving behind only the remnants of its former glory.
The mastermind behind Monte Ne was William Hope “Coin” Harvey, an eccentric figure who, despite the unrealized grandeur, led the community to several notable “firsts.”