State of Jefferson

I came across two tidbits recently.

This first one involves an area of the country that originally fought to become the 49th state back in 1941. There were some counties in northern California and southern Oregon that became disenchanted with the unkept promises made by their respective states to repair and build access roads to the mineral rich area. Finally, in November 1941, the citizens named their state (Jefferson), picked a capital (Yreka, CA) and even blocked off a section of highway in order to hand out their Proclamation of Independence. On December 4th a governor was elected. A nighttime parade was held and well documented by media of the time. In fact, the newsreels were sent out and were planned to be aired the week of December 8. As you history majors may recall, a significant news event took place on December 7, 1941... the bombing of Pearl Harbor! So ended the State of Jefferson's rebellion as they patriotically took up defense of the country. A small movement still remains though it does not appear to be quite as staunch: Jefferson State.

The second tidbit I find HI-larious. In Maine there is a very high Massachusetts transplant population and the locals find their driving -- among other things -- to be... subpar. So what do Maine-folk durogatorily call these transplants? "Massholes!"

Just Joe