Evander Jones
In the shadow of the Rockies, a bold dream stirred—a brand-new state carved from frustration and frontier pride. Absaroka had a flag, a license plate, and a vision but never the votes. So, what derailed this rebellion before it ever took shape? The answer blends a series of factors. So, let’s explore 10 of these.
Lack Of Widespread Support
Absaroka never gained much traction outside of a few rural strongholds. While A.R. Swickard rallied a handful of farmers and ranchers, most residents didn’t take the idea seriously. Local newspapers entertained it briefly, but the general mood leaned more toward amusement than revolution. That limited its reach right away.
No Legal Framework For Secession
There wasn’t a proper plan to turn the protest into policy. The U.S. Constitution requires a formal process for creating a new state, but Absaroka never filed anything official. Instead, leaders focused on symbolic gestures like license plates and parades. None of that moved Congress one step closer to approval.
Insufficient Population To Justify Statehood
The proposed Absaroka region, encompassing rural parts of Wyoming and South Dakota, lacked the population density required to meet Congressional criteria for statehood. In the 1930s, the area’s population was sparse and insufficient to justify statehood, making it an impractical proposition compared to territories like Hawaii.
Onset Of World War II
By the time war broke out in Europe, most Americans were already shifting their focus. Calls for a new state felt less important than military drafts, factory jobs, and national security. Absaroka fizzled out quietly as residents chose unity over rebellion in the face of global conflict and uncertainty.
Competition With Hawaii For Statehood
Absaroka’s push had unfortunate timing. Hawaii, with actual political muscle and Congressional backing, was already on the path toward statehood. Lawmakers dismissed the new state proposal out of the Mountain West as unserious. Compared to Hawaii’s strategic and economic relevance, Absaroka looked like a footnote at best.
Economic Recovery Post-Depression
The Great Depression hit rural areas hard. This sparked the initial push for secession. But things started to turn around in the early 1940s. As jobs returned and relief programs expanded, fewer people felt abandoned by their state governments. That economic bounce dulled the urgency that once drove the movement.
Perceived As A Publicity Stunt
The whole thing didn’t always look like serious politics. Leaders crowned a “Miss Absaroka,” printed novelty plates, and leaned into spectacle. For many observers, it felt more like a sideshow than a statehood bid. This lack of seriousness made it hard to earn public or institutional trust.
Regional Isolation And Logistical Challenges
Most of Absaroka’s proposed territory was rugged and thinly populated. Dirt roads made organizing difficult, and towns were too spread out to coordinate sustained political efforts. Even if enthusiasm existed, the lack of infrastructure meant big plans rarely moved beyond local barbershop chatter or county fair booths.
Opposition From State Governments
Officials in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota weren’t about to give up their land quietly. The proposed borders included vital resources and scenic landmarks like Yellowstone. State lawmakers pushed back hard, a gesture that may have translated into new support. That counter-pressure helped pull would-be defectors back into the fold.
Lack Of Unified Regional Identity
While Absaroka’s proponents promoted a shared “Western” identity tied to ranching and tourism, the diverse communities across the suggested regions had stronger loyalties to their existing states. This lack of a cohesive regional culture, evident in the movement’s failure to rally widespread local support, hindered its ability to gain traction.
