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Jefferson (proposed Pacific state) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The State of Jefferson is an idea for a brand new U.S. state! It would be made up of mostly countryside areas in southern Oregon and northern California.

This region, located near the Pacific Coast, is the most famous place that has wanted to be named after Thomas Jefferson, who was the third President of the United States.

If this idea ever became real, the new state would cover most of Northern California's land. However, it would not include big cities like San Francisco or other busy areas near the Bay. These cities have most of Northern California's people.

Quick facts for kids
Jefferson
proposed U.S. state
State of Jefferson
Flag of Jefferson
Flag
Official seal of Jefferson
Seal
Nickname(s): 
State of Mind, SJ (State of Jefferson)
Location of Jefferson within the United States
Location of Jefferson within the United States
Country United States
Admitted to the Union (Proposed 51st state)
Capital Yreka (1941 initiative)
Largest city Modesto
Largest metro and urban areas Modesto
Legislature House and Senate (proposed)
U.S. House delegation To be defined (list)
Area
 • Total 83,178 sq mi (215,430 km2)
Area rank 15th (hypothetical)
Dimensions
 • Length 471 mi (758 km)
 • Width 279 mi (449 km)
Elevation
7,081 ft (2,158.29 m)
Highest elevation 14,179 ft (4,316.58 m)
Lowest elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Population
 • Total 2,869,685 (2,010 Census)
 • Rank 34th (hypothetical)
 • Density 34.50/sq mi (13.32/km2)
 • Density rank 42nd (hypothetical)
Demonym(s) Jeffersonian
Language
 • Official language English
Time zone UTC-08:00 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-07:00 (PDT)
USPS abbreviation
JF
ISO 3166 code Not listed in ISO
Traditional abbreviation Jeff.
Latitude 38°45'N to 43°57'N
Longitude 119°18'W to 124°25'W

What is the State of Jefferson?

The State of Jefferson is a long-standing idea for a new state in the United States. People who support this idea believe their region is different from the rest of California and Oregon. They feel their needs are not always met by their current state governments.

Where Would it Be?

The proposed State of Jefferson would include many counties. These are mostly rural areas in southern Oregon and northern California. It would stretch from the Pacific Ocean eastward into the mountains. This area is known for its beautiful forests and natural landscapes.

Why is it Called Jefferson?

The name "Jefferson" was chosen to honor Thomas Jefferson. He was the third President of the United States. He was also known for his ideas about self-governance and expanding the country. The people who first proposed the state wanted to reflect these values.

What About a Capital City?

If the State of Jefferson were ever approved, its capital city would need to be chosen. In the original proposal from 1941, Yreka, California, was named the temporary capital. Other cities like Port Orford, Oregon and Redding, California have also been suggested as possible capital locations.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jefferson (estado norteño propuesto) para niños

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