Phalanx Utopian Community

Colts Neck, New Jersey

Site of North American Phalanx, a Fourierist cooperative socialist agricultural community that lasted ten years -- 1844-54 -- when it was destroyed by fire. A bunch of these groups popped up and fell apart in the 1840s; the one in Colt's Neck lasted the longest. They followed the teachings of French philosopher Charles Fourier, who espoused the benefits of communal societies over private ownership.

Remnants of the Phalanx era survived until 1972, when its abandoned 3-story residence burned down.

Successful, if you consider all the other dopey utopias that never even rate a historical marker.