A Rebellion During the Great Depression
In 1939, during the height of the Great Depression, a movement arose in parts of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. Frustrated by the federal government’s response to the economic crisis, some residents proposed creating a new state called Absaroka, named after the Absaroka Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Unofficial Leadership and Secession Efforts
The movement’s unofficial leader, A.R. Swickard, the mayor of Sheridan, Wyoming, declared himself the governor of Absaroka. The idea gained local popularity, and even a “Miss Absaroka” beauty pageant was held. License plates and maps of the proposed state were produced, adding a layer of legitimacy to the movement.
Publicity but No Official Status
Although Absaroka never gained federal recognition or moved beyond its symbolic acts of rebellion, it attracted nationwide attention. The secessionists’ movement gradually lost momentum, and by World War II, the idea faded as national priorities shifted.
Absaroka: The Rebellion That Nearly Created a New State 🇺🇸
A Rebellion During the Great Depression
In 1939, during the height of the Great Depression, a movement arose in parts of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. Frustrated by the federal government’s response to the economic… pic.twitter.com/un2FRBX1Fy— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) October 4, 2024