McDonald County had been left off the state tourism map so they called their representatives home from Jefferson City, seceded from the state, and formed McDonald Territory. This publicity stunt saw the county form a militia, issue visas and sell territorial postage stamps.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.