Gold, Copper and Secession - Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon has had its' wild times in the few years it has been a state (1859). 
Once the state was in the midst of a Gold rush and also had the largest Copper mine in the United States.
The Queen of Bronze Copper mine produced five million pounds of Copper in the period from 1862 to 1930. During that time, it also produced roughly 60,000 ounces of Gold
Amazing production for this mine considering there were no decent roads in Southern Oregon at that time. 
The frustration felt by both Southern Oregon, and the citizens of Northern California with the same problems, led to a Secession from the Union movement by both populations.
The Southern Oregon and Northern California counties banded together and formed what would become the "State of Jefferson."
They respectfully petitioned the United States for Secession and to form the 49th state (prior to Alaska and Hawaii) which would be named "Jefferson." 
A state flag was created which was a yellow Gold pan with two black "XX"s in the middle. The "XX"s symbolized the feeling that both areas had been "double crossed" by Salem and Sacramento, their states respective capitols.
They elected a governor, and were all set for the final push for Secession to happen on December 8th --- 1941!
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the day before ended Secession and for the war effort, the counties got their roads!
I saw a "State of Jefferson" license frame a month ago, so the idea still persists.
I guess if the area had seceded it could surely have been the wealthiest state in the Union. Well, --- how are the capital cities treating us nowadays???
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