On 26 June 2011 XXXIV, His Excellency, The President, the First Lady and First Family had the opportunity to visit the Great Republic of Rough and Ready, one the of the few "micronations" that really existed in the macronational world.
The Great Republic of Rough and Ready was a small, short-lived self-declared independent nation that existed in Nevada County in northern California in the United States in 1850. Founded in the town of Rough and Ready by miners largely as a protest against a recently-introduced tax on new mining claims and the prohibition of alcohol in Nevada County, it never achieved formal recognition of any government. The citizens abolished the Republic after only three months, supposedly when they realized to their dismay that they could not celebrate Independence Day on July 4, since they were no longer part of the United States. The incident has become part of the colorful folklore of the region.
The President and First Family traveled to Rough and Ready to take part in the former nations' celebration of its independence, Secession Days, held annually on the last Sunday in June. The purpose of the visit was twofold, first to pay a State Visit to this nearby once-sovereign nation, and second to enjoy the Secession Days festivities. Shortly after arrival, the First Family attended the musical melodrama “The Saga of Rough and Ready” which is performed live on stage by members of the community. It was a humorous and thoroughly enjoyable spectacle, telling the tale of the former Republic. Afterward, the First Family toured the craft booths and saw the sights of the community, including the old blacksmith shop, one of two still surviving structures from the gold rush era town. Finally, His Excellency, The President met with members of the Rough and Ready Chamber of Commerce, who were impressed to have a foreign dignitary visiting. This meeting was enjoyable for all parties and demonstrated the camaraderie between small nations. Following the meeting, The President and First Family departed the Great Republic and returned to our own mighty Republic, ending a great day for both our countries.
Visit the Rough and Ready website here.
 The President and First Lady |
 Craft Fair Booths |
 Reconstructed Town |
 The President Posing |
Rough and Ready Flag Flying
The President and the Rough and Ready Plaque
Colonel Brundage, Reenacted President of Rough and Ready
Players From The Rough and Ready Saga