Everyone knows America has 50 states, but what if I told you that number could have been much higher? Over the years, several territories and regions have tried (and failed) to become U.S. states. Here are some almost-states you’ve probably never heard of!
🌲 The State of Jefferson (California & Oregon)
In 1941, residents of rural northern California and southern Oregon wanted to break away and form the State of Jefferson. They even elected a governor and designed a flag! But the attack on Pearl Harbour soon after caused the movement to fade.
🌴 The State of Deseret (Utah & Beyond)
When Mormon settlers arrived in the West, they proposed a huge state called Deseret, covering parts of modern-day Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Congress rejected the idea, and Utah was created instead.
🏝 The State of Franklin (Tennessee)
Before Tennessee existed, some settlers formed the State of Franklin in 1784. It even had its own government, but Congress never recognised it, and the land eventually became part of Tennessee.
❄️ The State of Absaroka (Montana, South Dakota & Wyoming)
During the Great Depression, some discontented rural citizens in Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming wanted to secede and form their own state: Absaroka. They even had a “governor” and a Miss Absaroka beauty pageant, but Congress never took them seriously.
These almost-states are fascinating glimpses into American history and how different the U.S. map could have looked!
