![From the earliest days of Oregon statehood, rural residents felt isolated from their political leaders and the state capitol in Salem. That distance has sparked several efforts to carve a new state out of Southern Oregon and Northern California called the "State of Jefferson.”](https://opb-opb-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JISQD526WNCBTKE3DS4374MUZE.jpg?auth=1cfa493efa646773105fd2d37e3808e1dd4972af1be2bdf66026b824cc1cb2ba&width=150)
From the earliest days of Oregon statehood, rural residents felt isolated from their political leaders and the state capitol in Salem. That distance has sparked several efforts to carve a new state out of Southern Oregon and Northern California called the "State of Jefferson.”
Oregon Historical Society
Every week, Oregon Experience shares a photo highlighting the state’s diverse, exciting history.
Oregon's most rural residents often feel ignored by the state's far off capitol in Salem. Distance, and lack of local control, has sparked a series of secessionist movements in Southern Oregon and Northern California. One of the most infamous attempts came in 1941 when community leaders organized and publicized their attempts to create a "State of Jefferson." Eventually, the effort died. Today, Jefferson lives on as a state of mind.
Watch the Oregon Experience documentary "State of Jefferson" for more information.
![](https://opb-opb-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A5DHYOXAJ5E4ZCX6RPPIKDPTA4.jpg?auth=99190fa23f7b488deb0ca839716de2a273ff32c049bfacf1df521d28b1a07c05&width=150)
![This series is in partnership with The Oregon Historical Society](https://opb-opb-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QZQRAVS3GFGHNPDVY7LGSBRHSY.jpg?auth=b5e6e347c9e58f4550c7b8d259768c623e462b56228fa6eb5f8616900a178e3e&width=150)
This series is in partnership with The Oregon Historical Society