The mystery of the monoliths began in November 2020, when a shiny metallic structure was discovered in a remote area of Utah by wildlife officials. This first monolith, found in the red rock desert, quickly captivated the public and media alike. Just days after its discovery, the Utah monolith disappeared as mysteriously as it had appeared. It was removed by an unknown party​.

Soon after, on November 27, 2020, another monolith was found in Romania on a hill near the town of Piatra Neamț. This structure bore some differences from the Utah monolith, including distinctive circular markings. Like its predecessor, the Romanian monolith also vanished within a week​.

The trend continued with a monolith appearing atop a mountain in Atascadero, California, on December 2, 2020. This monolith, similar in appearance to the others, further fueled global intrigue and speculation. Over the following weeks, monoliths were reported in various locations including Spain, Wales, and Paraguay — each one adding to the worldwide fascination​.

Speculation about the origins of these monoliths ranged from extraterrestrial theories to artistic installations. According to NPR, an artist collective called The Most Famous Artist claimed responsibility for the Utah monolith, though the true origins of many of these structures remain unclear​.

Adding to the mystery, each monolith seemed to disappear as suddenly as it had appeared, often removed by individuals or groups concerned about environmental impact or simply intrigued by the monoliths’ presence.

What we know about the Las Vegas monolith

Earlier this summer, another mysterious monolith was discovered outside Las Vegas.

On June 17, 2024, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced that a local volunteer search-and-rescue team had spotted a shiny, metallic monolith near Gass Peak in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, north of the city. Photos of the monolith, posted online by the police department, showed a six-foot-five-inch tall structure, 13 inches wide on each of its three faces, made of folded sheet metal and held together with rebar and concrete.

The monolith’s sudden appearance quickly became a topic of fascination. However, just four days later, the police department announced its removal due to public safety and environmental concerns. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which manages the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, thanked the Las Vegas police for their assistance and cautioned visitors about the rough terrain and lack of amenities in the area.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that the origin of the monolith remains unknown, and the object is currently being stored at an undisclosed location. The installation of the monolith on federal land — which is protected for its bighorn sheep and desert tortoises — was illegal, prompting its swift removal. Authorities emphasized the importance of staying on marked trails and not leaving objects behind to protect both visitors and the environment.

These monoliths have sparked worldwide intrigue, with each new sighting contributing to the ongoing mystery. Where do you think the next one will appear?