Relics from Rough & Ready’s gold mining past
April 7, 1850 — The Great Republic of Rough & Ready is formed as a free and independent nation when citizens meet to secede from the United States. Populated mostly by miners from the state of Wisconsin, the town with about 3,000 residents hoped to rid itself of a recently introduced tax on new mining claims and a countywide prohibition of alcohol. At the secession meeting, citizens sign a constitution similar to that of the United States. Col. E.F. Brundage is elected President. The world’s smallest nation lasts just until July 4. Feeling left out as gala Fourth of July plans countywide, Rough & Ready residents hold another meeting to repeal secession and re-join their former country. [Wikipedia link]
Loving Nevada County 