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Absaroka (proposed state) facts for kids

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Absaroka
proposed U.S. state
State of Absaroka
Flag of Absaroka
Flag
Nickname(s): 
None
Map of the United States with Absaroka highlighted
Map of the United States with Absaroka highlighted
Country United States
Admitted to the Union (Not admitted)
Capital Sheridan (proposed 1939)
Largest city Rapid City
Area
 • Total 62,800 sq mi (162,700 km2)
Area rank 22nd (hypothetical)
Dimensions
 • Length 460 mi (740 km)
 • Width 210 mi (340 km)
Elevation
unknown ft (unknown m)
Highest elevation 13,775 ft (4,199 m)
Lowest elevation
unknown ft (unknown m)
Population
 • Total 367,019
 • Rank 51st of 51 (hypothetical)
 • Density 5.84/sq mi (5.84/km2)
 • Density rank 50th of 51 (hypothetical)
Language
Time zone UTC-07:00 (Mountain)
Latitude 43° N to 45° 56′ N
Longitude 102° W to 111°3′ W
Absaroka map from contemporary newspaper
Contemporary map

Absaroka was a proposed area in the United States, that would have comprised parts of the states of Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming, that contemplated secession and statehood in 1939. Absaroka is from the Crow word meaning "children of the large-beaked bird", also the namesake of the Absaroka mountain range.

History

The region's complaints came from ranchers and independent farmers in remote parts of the three states, who resented the New Deal and Democratic control of state governments, especially the government of Wyoming. One of the leaders of the secessionist movement was A.R. Swickard, the street commissioner of Sheridan, Wyoming, who appointed himself "governor" and started hearing grievances in the "capital" of Sheridan. Increasing tourism to the region was a motivation for the proposed state because Mount Rushmore (constructed 1927–1941) would be within Absaroka according to some plans.

In a craze for state secession felt by the public, state automobile license plates bearing the name were distributed as well as pictures of Miss Absaroka 1939.

The movement was unsuccessful and fairly short-lived. The chief record of its existence comes from the Federal Writers' Project, which included a story about the plan as an example of Western eccentricity.

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