A Unique Vision
In 1964, Leicester Hemingway, the younger brother of famed author Ernest Hemingway, founded his own micronation called the Republic of New Atlantis. He established it on a bamboo raft floating in the Caribbean Sea, about six miles off the coast of Jamaica. Leicester’s idea was to create a platform for marine research and to use his new nation to attract funding.
Building New Atlantis
The raft measured 8 feet by 30 feet and was anchored to the ocean floor. It was constructed from steel, bamboo, and various buoyant materials to keep it afloat. Leicester declared New Atlantis to be an independent nation, complete with its own constitution and national flag.
Recognition and Currency
Leicester even went as far as issuing his own currency for New Atlantis, called the “Scruple,” which he hoped would gain international recognition. Although the republic was not formally acknowledged by any country, it gained media attention as an unusual endeavor.
A Short-Lived Dream
Despite his ambitious plans, New Atlantis faced numerous challenges, including storms and legal issues. Eventually, the floating republic was destroyed by weather, bringing Leicester Hemingway’s experiment to an end.
New Atlantis: Hemingway’s Brother’s Floating Kingdom 🌊
A Unique Vision
In 1964, Leicester Hemingway, the younger brother of famed author Ernest Hemingway, founded his own micronation called the Republic of New Atlantis. He established it on a bamboo raft floating in the… pic.twitter.com/ERGByqkAwe— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 12, 2024