Here are a couple things on the State of Jefferson, tell me how you think?
Do you think that the SOJ movement is just a publicity stunt, or do you think they are credible, that they arn't 'crazy' as some say.
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The State of Jefferson - It's a State of Mind... [Link: http://www.sojaa.org/state-of-jefferson.php ]
The mythical State of Jefferson lies a mountainous area that spans the border between Northern California and Southern Oregon. The original borders of Oregon and California were arbitrarily set by east coast bureaucrats and do not reflect the unique characteristics, geography, economy or citizens of this area. Stretching from the northern end of California’s central valley past the northern terminus of the Siskyou Mountains, and from the Pacific Ocean to east of the Cascade Mountains, this area is distinctive for its natural resources, rural atmosphere and independent population. Historically this area has been isolated from the main population areas of the mother States, which has led to a long history of discontent, and several attempts to form a new State that would more better represent its citizens.
First settled by emigrants in the 1840’s and 1850’s, mining and agriculture quickly grew. Transportation issues became a concern to the population, who being many miles from the capitals and centers of commerce of their respective states, tended to feel isolated and neglected. The first recorded rebellion occurred in 1852, when, in the first California legislature a bill was introduced to create a “State of Shasta” which encompassed much of what is now Jefferson. The bill died in committee because of the pressure of other legislative business. The following year a new attempt was made, with the state to be called “State of Klamath,” but this effort was ended by a major Indian uprising which occurred that year.
In 1854 a new statehood movement was begun, variously called “The Jackson Territory” and the “State of Jefferson.” A proposal for the creation of such a state was presented before congress, and agitation continued until Oregon was granted statehood in 1859.
By 1935, concerns over the poor roadways, which hampered the logging, mining and agricultural industries of the area, had become the major source of discontent. In November, 1941, a provisional government was elected with Judge John L. Childs of Crescent City as governor. In Yreka, a Proclamation of Independence was printed and armed citizens erected roadblocks across Highway 99 and began collecting tolls from travelers who were “crossing the state line.” The “Great Seal of the State of Jefferson” was created - a gold pan with “XX” painted on the bottom. This symbolized Jeffersonians being “double-crossed” by their mother states.
On December 4th, 1941, several major newspapers and magazines arrived in Yreka for the inauguration of Judge John L. Childs as governor. Three days later the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the State of Jefferson blew away on the winds of war.
But the legacy of Jefferson still lived. In 1956, groups from Dunsmuir and Cave Junction threatened to secede and take the “State of Shasta” with them. Quick action in the Oregon and California legislatures temporarily mollified them. As recently as the 1990’s an advisory plebiscite appeared statewide on the California ballot proposing the division of California into two, or three, separate states.
Today, reminders remain. One can find the Jefferson State Bank and listen to Jefferson Public Radio. As you travel through the scenic and rugged State of Jefferson, keep your eyes open for signs. Jefferson is a State of Mind.
In the summer of 2000, a number of alpaca breeders began meeting to explore the possibility of forming a cooperative organization promoting alpacas in the area. The State of Jefferson Alpaca Association was born, and the name came naturally. Our members’ farms stretch the width and breadth of Jefferson. Visitors to the State of Jefferson can find alpacas from Redding to Roseburg, and from Gold Beach to Klamath Falls.
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There have been many attempts at forming a new state comprised of northern California and southern Oregon, but none has gained so much attention and retained it as the secession movement of 1941.
The abundant supply of minerals and timber in this region was largely inaccessible due to the lack of sufficient roads and bridges into the rugged mountain border country. The local pioneering people grew weary of unfulfilled promises from Salem and Sacramento to help fund sufficient highway projects in the region while building campgrounds in the cities where there were more votes.
Representatives from the mountain border counties involved met in Yreka, CA on November 17, 1941 to form an alliance to obtain federal aid for the construction and repair of bridges and roads. The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors voted to allocate $100 to research the possibility of seceding from the state of California and joining the other counties to form a new 49th state. The Yreka Chamber of Commerce was very instrumental in persuading the Board.
The local newspaper ran a contest to name the new state and the winning entry was Jefferson. The winner of the contest pocketed $2 for his efforts. Yreka was designated the temporary state capital where the ‘State of Jefferson Citizen’s Committee’ was formed.
They proceeded to stop traffic on Highway 99 outside of town and handed their ‘Proclamation of Independence’ out to travelers.
Jefferson made the papers nearly every day, competing with headlines of Germany's ravaging of Europe. The San Francisco Chronicle sent a young reporter, Stanton Delaplane, to cover the events. He traveled the rain-soaked roads to speak with locals to get a feel for the secession movement from their point of view. He got stuck in the mud down the Klamath River but that did not stop him from writing a series of colorful articles on the rebellion which earned him the coveted Pulitzer Prize.
On December 4, Judge John L. Childs of Crescent City in Del Norte County was elected governor. A torchlight parade complete with horses, marching bands and sign-carrying young people riding in trucks was held in Yreka followed by a ceremonious inauguration held on the courthouse lawn.
Hollywood newsreel companies were present to record the events, including the highway barricades. The State of Jefferson was off to a banner start.
The newsreels were to air nationally the week of December 8, but tragically on December 7th Pearl Harbor was bombed and the State of Jefferson rebellion of 1941 came to an end. The people of the region went to work for the war effort and good roads were eventually built into the backcountry to access strategic minerals and timber. These same roads have helped countless numbers of rural families make a living from the land that continues to produce abundant, quality natural resources.
The State of Jefferson 'state of mind' remains in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.
[ http://jeffersonstate.com/jeffersonstory.html ]