“We feel we need all the counties to really lend credence to what we’re trying to say (which is to make and approve a petition to withdraw & form a 51st state)… I feel that Phase Three is about ready to begin, and I can step down as governor of Forgottonia. I think the time has come for me not to go out & parade around like I did.”
-Neal Gamm, Lewistown, IL speech, November 9, 1973
Episode #5 – The Republic of Forgottonia (1973)
In this episode, we explore the semi-satirical, but wholly strategic rural secession movement known as The Republic of Forgottonia. Born out of frustration with political neglect, the movement began in western Illinois in the early 1970s as a protest against being left behind—without highways, adequate education funding, or mental health services. Through humor and civic theater, WIU theater student and Vietnam vet Neil Gamm was crowned “Governor” of this 16-county would-be nation. But this wasn’t just a gimmick. This was a three-phase plan to amplify rural voices, spark regional cooperation, and demand real change.
Was it a joke? A protest? A blueprint for civic revival? This episode dives into the bold strategy, “The Mouse That Roared” inspiration, and the legacy of rural advocacy born from satire.
- Part 1 – The Origins of Forgottonia
- Part 2 – The 3 Phases of the Forgottonia Plan
- Part 3 – The Legacy of the Republic of Forgottonia
Discussion Questions for this Episode
- Q1 – How can humor serve as an effective tool for civic engagement and protest?
- Q2 – What parallels exist between the concerns of the Forgottonia movement and challenges rural communities face today?
- Q3 – Did Neil Gamm’s three-phase plan succeed in empowering rural voices? Why or why not?
- Q4 – In what ways does higher education continue to play a critical role in regional development?
- Q5 – What would a modern “Forgottonia” movement look like today—and who might lead it?
- Q6 – Has western Illinois truly “been remembered”? Or do the challenges that led to the movement still persist?
“Many of our state representatives will not travel the roads of western Illinois. That’s why I’m bringing the issue to you.”
-Neal Gamm, Springfield, IL, November 15, 1973
Illinois: A State Apart Series
This series of the Forgottonia Project explores the history of downstate tension & secession movements that have occurred throughout IL history. “Nowhere is intrastate conflict more evident than between metropolitan Chicago and rural downstate.”
This tension–fueled by economic, cultural, & political differences–has shaped the state’s history in significant ways. The name “Forgottonia” is a reference to one tongue-in-cheek secessionist movement from Illinois, but it was far from the only instance of conflict in our state’s history.
This series will examine the origins of this tension, the impact it has had on our state, and more importantly — we’ll explore efforts to help bridge our divides.”
Overall Essential Questions
- What are the origins of the tension between Chicago and downstate Illinois?
- What can we do to bridge our rural-urban divide and find a common identity for the future of our state?
Sources
- Distribution: People, Places & Power, 2020 video by the Illinois Humanities featuring segment about the Forgottonia Movement (Segment begins around the 6-minute mark)
- “The Mouse That Roared“ – 1955; Film adaptation of the satirical novel by Leonard Wibberley, starring Peter Sellers
- How the States Got Their Shapes – History Channel Forgottonia segment featuring Neal Gamm
- Unforgettable Forgottonia – Macomb Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Webpage featuring images and information about Neal Gamm and the Forgottonia movement
- Bruce Morton’s “Forgottonia” Photo Book – Visual storytelling on the region’s decline and resilience
- NPR’s The 21st Show – Our Forgottonia Project was recently featured on this podcast, Forgottonia Project highlights the people, history, and issues of rural Illinois
The Forgottonia Project 