Where is the Republic of Molossia?
This sovereign, independent nation is located in the western United States as a small enclave in the Nevada, a small enclave in California and a small enclave in Northern California. Each enclave is completely surrounded by United States territory. The total land area is 11.3 acres. The Northern California location is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains close to Lake Tahoe and the Virginia City mining town. Reno, Nevada, is the closest airport.

Fun Facts About the Republic of Molossia

1. They have a Navy (and a Naval Academy).
At first, the Republic of Molossia tried to have an Army, but reputedly the US Olympic Committee used it against them. They attempted an Air Force, but the one plane they had was too small for passengers and never flew. So, instead, they formed the Molossian Navy – an odd feat for a desert location. Check out their inflatable boat “brigade” here. The Navy’s mission is to explore the few bodies of water and reservoirs located in the western desert.

The Republic of Molossia also maintains its own naval academy called Spyglass Hill, the Molossian Naval Academy. Its students study military sciences through simple, online courses that emphasize leadership, tactics and military history.

2. They have a space program.
Hoping to turn humankind’s gaze skyward and put the petty worries of the world behind them, the Republic of Molossia created the Molossian Air & Space Agency in 1999 at the Alphonse Simms Memorial Cosmodrome and Broomball Field.

Super fun fact: Molossia has delivered rocket mail! The Molossia Postal, Telegraph and Telephone Service successfully delivered mail via their P-1 Postal Rocket in June 2018.

3. The Republic of Molossia’s bank is rolling in dough.
Quite literally. The basic unit of currency in the republic is the Valora, which is divided into 100 Futtrus. The Valora is linked in value to Pillsburg Chocolate Chip Cookies Dough – so 5 Valora are equal to one 30-ounce tube of cookie dough.

4. The Republic of Molossia celebrates holidays you’ve never heard of.
At least, we don’t think you have. Here’s a sample:

• January 8th, Emperor Norton I Day: In memory of Emperor Norton I, Emperor of the US and protector Mexico. Celebrate with a “Cookie Dough Fest.”
•  January 28th, Molossaphone Day: A day to pay homage to the National Musical Instrument, the Molossaphone.
• February 19th, Chocolate Mint Day: Celebrated by eating the Molossian president’s favorite flavor of ice cream.
• May 26th, Founders Day: Celebrated with a get-together and barbecue to commemorate the day, in 1977, when the Republic of Molossia was formed.

5. The Republic of Molossia is at war with East Germany.
Apparently, Molossia was at war with East Germany, and continues to be – because East Germany apparently lives on through Ernst Thalmann Island, an uninhabited island. As such, there is no one available to negotiate a peace treaty, according to President Baugh.

Can I Visit the Republic of Molossia?

Yes, you can! There are tours held monthly, April through October. The dates are listed on the Molossian government’s official website.

If you’re going to visit Molossia, aim for the Nevada location. As you’re driving down Interstate 80, you’re bound to have some quirky Deep Nevada experiences – and this one tops the list (there’s a Library Paste gravemarker in this state – for real). Move on to Highway 50 – the “Loneliest Road in America,” according to Life magazine, and you’ll stumble upon this odd micronation – which itself lies within the boundaries of the suburban town of Dayton.

Once you’ve been warmly and enthusiastically welcomed into the “nation,” the president will stamp your passport. He’ll then regale you with tales of Molossia’s 41-year history, showing you national symbols and animals, reciting the pledge of allegiance and national anthem and sharing the holiday schedule with you.

Republic of Molossia FAQs

Is the Republic of Molossia a real place?
Why, yes … yes, it is. While not recognized by the United Nations, Molossia operates as a sovereign, independent nation with the territory of the United States – similar to the Navajo Nation. While operating as a separate nation, they do recognize the power and authority of the neighboring United States.

Can I become a Molossian citizen?
Nope, no room. You must be a full-time resident of Molossia to be a citizen – and new residents are not allowed.

Is there a connection between the Molossia of Nevada and the Molossia that was an ancient Greek nation?
No. The Republic of Molossia chose the name because it is an adaptation of the Hawaiian word Maluhia, which means peace.

Are there other micronations?
There are! And President Baugh actually tries to organize a conference between the leaders of nearby micronations every few years. Ever heard of North Dumpling Island? This New York State island was purchased by Segway founder Dean Kamen for $2.5 million in 1986 after local officials wouldn’t let him build his own wind turbine. He seceded from the United States at that point and created a micronation with all the trimmings – constitution, anthem, etc.

What Other Weird Sights Can I See in Nevada Near the Republic of Molossia?

1. The Fly Geyser
This otherworldly geyser sits on the edge of the Black Rock Desert was actually made by humans. The area – known as the Hualapai Geothermal Flats – is known for its geothermal pools. A geyser was discovered more than a century ago, was left alone (because the water was too hot to use agriculturally) and a 10-ish-foot calcium carbonate cone formed. In 1964, there was drilling at the same site, which hit the same water, but was actually not hot enough for the company’s purposes, so they sealed it – but not well enough. The cap gave way and a new, larger geyser spouted north of the original. The new geyser – the Fly Geyser – has multiple cone-shaped openings and sits on a tall mound. It’s covered in mineral deposits and thermophilic algae, creating trippy hues of green and red. Go see for yourself!

2. National Atomic Testing Museum
Check out the Nevada Test Site for nuclear testing, which was in operation starting in 1951. Today, it’s known as the Nevada National Security Site – it’s 65 miles from the sparkling lights of Las Vegas. Within the museum, those intrigued by the Atomic Age can see more than 12,000 artifacts that detail the country’s nuclear program and its impact on the Las Vegas area. Look for Geiger counters, old black and white photographs and quite a bit of memorabilia and information about the sociological trends of that era.

3. Rhyolite Ghost Town
Rhyolite, Nevada, was only around for 12 years. From 1904 to 1916, this late-Gold Rush-era boom town on the edge of Death Valley was home to hundreds who came to seek their fortune. In its heyday, there was a school for 250 students, hotels, stores, an ice plant, two electricity plants, machine shops and a hospital. But as quick as it shone, Rhyolite began to dim after the financial market decline starting in 1907. The mine shut down in 1911 and in 1916, the town closed forever. Look for the old bottle house, odd works of art as part of the Goldwell Open Air Museum, the remains of the bank and general store and an old train station. It’s everything you imagine a ghost town to be.

4. Clown Motel
Not a clown fan? This may not be the wacky destination for you. But if you can hand the glassy-eyed doll faces, then head to the Clown Motel. It’s the “gateway” to a long stretch of lonely road across the Nevada desert and, as such, has long stayed in business as a welcome break. There are clowns everywhere, from the moment you enter the motel office – clown dolls, porcelain doll statues and all manner of clown-related paraphernalia. Check out the (haunted) Tonopah Cemetery next door, a 100-year-old miners’ graveyard.

5. Pinball Hall of Fame
Here’s one for the kid in all of us. Not far off the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find the Pinball Hall of Fame, with more than 200 games. Many cost only a dime to play, others a quarter, and none more than a dollar. The idea for the museum was that of a 16-year-old boy who bought a used pinball machine in Michigan in 1972 and charged his friends to play it. He grew up to operate several arcades, retiring to Las Vegas in the 1990s. He moved to the desert, collected approximately 1,000 pinball machines, refurbished them and, eventually, turned it all into the Pinball Hall of Fame.

6. McFarthest Spot
Whether you’re an avid fan or a hater, visitors to Nevada can stop by the farthest spot from a McDonald’s restaurant in the lower 48 United States. With more than 13,000 McDonalds through the country, this is an impressive feat. If you just had to have a Big Mac, you’d have to drive 135 miles to the closes McDonalds.

7. International Car Forest of the Last Church
As you’re driving past Goldfield, Nevada, look for this wacky attraction – more than 40 cars that have been “driven” nose-down along a dirt road. It’s actually a pretty cool art installation!

8. Thunder Mountain Monument
Frank Van Zant, who later went by Chief Rolling Thunder, set up camp in the desert with his wife after serving in World War II and then working as a California police officer. Out there in the sand, they built a house, various sculptures and a three-story hostel – mainly out of found objects and scrap metal. The property acted as a commune for some time, but when the government intervened, Van Zant was left alone without his wife and children. Upon Van Zant’s passing, his life’s work was bequeathed to his son, Dan. Visitors today can see the hostel remains, exterior walls, playground and more – as well as learn about Van Zant’s life and the project.

9. Stokes Castle
On the western side of Austin, Nevada, you’ll see the watchtower-esque Stokes Castle, overlooking the Reese River Valley. The tower dates back to 1897, when Anson Phelps Stokes started building a home that he hoped would emulate a tower he had seen during his time in Italy. The home/tower was built out of hand-hewn native granite, held in place with rock wedging and clay mortar. The home displayed late Victorian elements and each floor had a fireplace. It has remained unoccupied since the Stokes family originally resided there and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered a monument to the local men who originally built it and who helped establish the area mines.