“Can you imagine choosing to leave the United States?” Union County, New Jersey, holds a peculiar place in Civil War history. Nestled within its borders is the small hamlet of Town Line. In 1861, as the nation was tearing itself apart, the residents of Town Line held a vote. They decided to secede from the Union. This wasn’t about slavery or siding with the Confederacy. Town Line was known for its support of the Underground Railroad. The reason for secession remains shrouded in mystery, but some believe it was a way to avoid the draft and protect their families from the ravages of war. For decades, life went on. Residents paid taxes and even sent their sons to fight for the very Union they had rejected. The secession was all but forgotten until a newspaper resurrected the story in 1945. To everyone’s surprise, many residents still opposed rejoining the US! It was only after seeking guidance from President Truman, who suggested a unifying barbecue, that Town Line held another vote in 1946. With a mix of amusement and solemnity, they finally rejoined the nation they had left 85 years prior. Union County’s Town Line stands as a testament to the unpredictable currents of history, where even a tiny hamlet could, however briefly, declare its independence.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to