About 25 - 30 years ago, I read some book about various FBI cases and how the battle for crime never ends. Amoung the cases was one concerning some kids who acquired one square inch of land in Alaska(?), courtesy of a cereal company promo. They decided to declare independence and sent out a notice to somebody in the federal government. The FBI investigated and the teenagers got into some serious trouble. Even as an ultra-patriotic kid, I thought this was rather silly, even though the chapter implied how terrible it was. Has anyone heard about this? Were they threating violance? Where are these whippersnappers today?
This story sounds vaguely familiar to me, but Snopes doesn’t seem to have it. I might have to go through my Jan Brunvand books.
In other words, sounds like a complete urban legend to me.
Ack, I meant Snopes, of course.
I still personally own land in the Yukon. I sent in for it fair and square. 'course I never tried a power play.
Sheesh! Canada forclosed because we didn’t pay our taxes.
“On King. Mush, you Huskie!”
Oh, wait! I forgot the actual OP.
Let’s see. Kids own a piece of the Yukon. The Yukon is owned by Canada. The kids declare independence. And the FBI?? investigates? Wha’?
There’s the first tip-off that the originators of the story screwed up.
The OP concerns a kid owning a piece of land in ALASKA, not the Yukon.
I kinda remember that promo too.
Never heard the story, though, but I am curious. Don’t put anything past the old FBI. Not while what’s-his-name was boss.
I thought the Yukon was owned by Alaska. (heh, heh)
Peace,
mangeorge
I read something about this years ago. My recollection is that it was sometime in the early 60s, and–this part I recall–the kids sent a letter to President Kennedy saying something along the lines of “If you don’t allow us to create a new state of ‘(name of new state),’ you will find yourself staring down the barrel of a 12-gauge.”
I recall that the young rocket scientists got thoroughly investigated and probably found out a lot about what the word “serious” means, but beyond that I couldn’t tell you anything about them. My suspicion is that today they’re living quiet, normal lives.
Or maybe they’re Secret Service agents.
racinchikki said
The OP actually said Alaska(?). Since the OP was so vague on info, I took the time to try to link to what I considered to be the source of the land in question. I bought some, so I kinda had a stake in the discussion.
mangeorge said
And you would be incorrect. Canada owns the Yukon. Always did as far as I know.
Again, why would an agency of the US investigate Canadian soil?
And I was kidding, samclem. Taking a good-natured poke at our friends in the north. Some of whom get a little huffy about stuff like that.
I remember that promotion, though, and I can’t find a thing about it. The FBI has gotten itself involved in cases just as wierd, so I don’t find the OP’s story totally unbelievable
Peace,
mangeorge