What Happened On July 13th?
On July 13, 1977, the small town of Kinney, Minnesota, declared its independence from the United States. This movement stemmed from frustration, humor, and a political message. The story of Kinney’s short-lived “independence” showed how a community could stand up for itself and bring attention to its problems.
Kinney’s Quest For Clean Water
Kinney’s move to secede began with a serious issue: the need for clean water. Kinney, a small town with about 500 people, had an old, failing water system. The residents had dealt with rusty, undrinkable water for years. Despite repeatedly asking for help, they received no response from the state or federal government.
Mayor Mary Anderson and the city council decided to take a stand. Their frustration peaked when they learned that officials had denied Kinney’s application for federal grants and loans yet again. This bureaucratic indifference spurred the town’s leaders to take drastic action that soon captured national attention.
Mayor Anderson and the Kinney city council declared their town independent, naming it the “Republic of Kinney.” This move aimed to draw attention to their plight and shame the government into action.
They used humor but carried a serious message in their proclamation. They detailed the town’s grievances and asserted their right to self-governance due to the neglect they faced from higher authorities. The document read, in part, “The Republic of Kinney hereby declares its independence from the United States of America until such time as our demands for clean, potable water are met.”
News of Kinney’s secession spread quickly. Reporters from across the country came to the tiny town to cover the story, bringing with them the publicity that Kinney had hoped for.
Mayor Anderson and other town officials found themselves in the national spotlight. They gave interviews, posed for photographs, and explained their unusual method of protest with a blend of sincerity and humor. Many Americans who felt similarly overlooked by their government related to the story of Kinney’s secession.
Kinney’s leaders sent letters to various foreign governments and dignitaries, seeking diplomatic recognition and foreign aid. They humorously requested aid from countries like Canada and even wrote to the Soviet Union, playing on Cold War tensions to amplify their message. These diplomatic efforts underscored the town’s determination to be heard.
The town also reached out to local Native American tribes, seeking alliances and support. Several countries responded with amused and supportive replies. For example, the Canadian government praised the town’s creativity and wished them luck in resolving their water crisis, though they did not recognize the Republic of Kinney as a sovereign nation.
A Victory for Kinney
The media frenzy and international attention had the desired effect. State and federal authorities began to address Kinney’s water system issues. The humorous yet pointed protest shamed the government into action. In 1978, less than a year after their declaration of secession, Kinney received the necessary funds to overhaul their water system. The town obtained a $186,000 federal grant and a $200,000 loan from the Farmers Home Administration, which allowed them to build a new water system that provided clean water to its residents.
With their goal achieved, Kinney’s leaders “rejoined” the United States. The Republic of Kinney had served its purpose, showing that even small communities could wield power when united by a common cause and a touch of humor.
Kinney’s declaration of independence was short-lived but impactful. People often cited the story of their secession as an example of civic activism and the power of local government. It reminded everyone that even small voices could effect change when they dared to speak out and take bold actions.
Kinney’s experience highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of small communities. The town’s leaders turned their frustration into a national conversation and emphasized the often-overlooked struggles of rural America. Their creative protest tested the ingenuity and resilience of a small town in America, encouraging other communities to stand up for their rights and needs.
The day Kinney, Minnesota, declared its secession from the United States is a significant chapter in the history of American local governance. It showed how a small town, through a blend of humor and determination, managed to bring about real change. The Republic of Kinney may have been short-lived, but its impact continues to resonate, reminding us all of the power of community action and the enduring spirit of small-town America.
