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Thunder mountain monument
The self-made house sculpture of an outsider artist who proclaimed himself "Chief Rolling Thunder"
Category Eccentric Homes
Frank Van Zant led a fascinating and complex life and left a unique home in Nevada. Though he had a Dutch name, he said he was 100% Creek Indian, and in his later life went by Chief Rolling Thunder. When asked about his name in an interview he replied "I used to use a different name, but I've always been Rolling Thunder."
After serving in World War II, Van Zant worked in California as a police officer for nearly 20 years. In his middle age, he moved to Nevada with his young wife and set up camp in the desert. In the barren sand, he erected a house, sculptures, and a three-story hostel along with many other out buildings, walls and sculptures. Rolling Thunder built each piece of the park himself, mainly out of found objects and scrap metal. He claimed to be tied to the area by a kind of curse and that every time he tried to leave something terrible would happen.
For a while the property acted as a kind of commune, but one by one people drifted off. Van Zant, his wife, and his seven children lived on the farm until the government intervened and child protective services forced the children and their mother to leave Thunder Mountain, leaving Van Zant alone with his sculptures. Shortly thereafter, struggling with depression and failing health, Van Zant passed away in 1989, bequeathing his life's work to his son, Dan.
Much of the original work of Van Zant was lost in a series of arson fires in 1983 and many of the roofs were leaking. Dan has since cleaned up the park, with the monetary support of strangers. He still hopes to install benches and an underground irrigation system to help restore the areas natural beauty.
Though visitors can't enter the one remaining building (a large, two-story home constructed from white-wash concrete sculpture and "white man's trash") there is much to see in the remains of the hostel, playground, exterior walls, etc., including a vast array of discarded items that have become part of site.
Information panels written by Van Zant's son describe life in the hostel and explain the project as an homage to the genocide of the Native Americans.
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- Hours Always open
- Website Thunder Mountain Monument
- Address I-80, between Lovelock and Winnemucca, Imlay, Nevada, United States
- Cost Free; Suggested Donation
Just off the highway on the East side of I-80 in Imlay, NV, between Winnemucca and Lovelock. Take the Imlay exit and take the small road that follows the highway.
Comments
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Anonymous
February 18, 2011
Hi Obsidian: I read this article and then saw your post. I'm sorry I lost touch with you and wanted to send you my best. It has been so many years since we connected. Two years ago, i stepped down at The Revolving Museum in which I founded in 1984, after meeting and being inspired by your dad. I also vividly remember you showing me around the property and stopping me from stepping where fruit trees were sprouting. The memories of my first visit and others will always remain close to my heart and influence the rest of my life. Please try connecting to me again so we can catch up to how you and the familty are doing. Love, Jerry -
Hey Obsidian, the site is user generated, and so we often rely on the word of the folks who write in. We did as much research as we could, not having a way to contact Dan, but obviously some things were gotten wrong! We have corrected everything you pointed out, and if you have other information we would be happy to incorporate it! Dylan Co-Founder Atlas Obscura
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Anonymous
November 8, 2010
Hi my name is Obsidian VanZant. I am the daughter of Rolling Thunder. I read with interest your article about my father and mother. I just felt that I should give you some correct information on my mother's leaving of Thunder Mountain and other errors in your article. She did not grow tired of the desert life as you so state, in fact she lives only 100 miles from Thunder Mountain. At the time of my mothers CPS forced movement there were 7 children not 3. I was 15 at the time and we were taken away by the state and my mother was given the option of coming with us or staying at Thunder Mountain. She chose to remain with her children. Shortly there after my father past away. There were five buildings burnt down by arson in 1983 and a sixth fire had been started. My father passed away in 1989. I remember all to well the days of the fires and the heartache that they caused. Also, In all my years there I never remember my father doing any welding of any kind. Have you ever met my brother Dan or my family personally? If not, I suggest in the future you do more research and verify your facts before publication. I do think that your pictures are exceptional and if you can edit your article to be more factual it would be greatly appreciated.
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Anonymous
June 3, 2010
i just re-visited Thunder Mountain. I was there May 30, 2010. I once lived in the house that burned down. I was 14 years old. I went to school in Lovelock , Nevada.I remember Chief Thunder and his family. The mom was very pretty, and the kids were small. We would sell jewelry at the first small round house as you enter Thunder 's place.Later we lived in the last house. It was different. When you first entered a naked statue lady greeted you. She had the bearer of life wrote at her feet. I would put clothes on her. She looked alot like Thunders wife. We only lived there a short time. My grandparents were like gypsies. I think I did take alittle of Thunders recycling with me. I love collecting rocks,and I love finding new ideals for things that most people throw away.One summer we even lived in Thunder Canyon. The water was cold and pure. Tanks for the fond memories.sandy
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