In honor of Independence Day, here’s a story on the part of northern California and southern Oregon known as Jefferson State–the state that declared independence as a new territory in 1941, only to see its dreams of autonomy fade away. By chance, the adventure potential in Jefferson is off the hook. By coicidence (or not), your truly is heading to a family reunion along the Rogue River in Oregon and spending the next week in the heart of Jefferson. I hope this piece holds you over–and I hope you get there and check it out for yourself.