Difference between revisions of "Kingdom of Casbah"
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|web = [https://web.archive.org/web/20090726024751/geocities.com/borderpatrolagency Archived Website] | |web = [https://web.archive.org/web/20090726024751/geocities.com/borderpatrolagency Archived Website] | ||
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The '''Kingdom of Casbah''' was a 2.5 acre rural [[micronation]] existing within the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. It was created as a result of a border dispute between three neighbors and existed from 1996 - 2001, when | The '''Kingdom of Casbah''' was a 2.5 acre rural [[micronation]] existing within the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. | ||
It was created by [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] as a result of a border dispute between three neighbors and existed from 1996 - 2001, when Travis was forced out of his position as Maharajah by the legal owners of the farm. He briefly returned to his position of power in 2006 to wage a troll war against the [[Atlantium|Empire of Atlantium]] before being rendered inactive again in 2007. | |||
The property on which Casbah existed was sold by the landowners in 2012 and now rests in private hands. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
[[File:CASBAH PALACE.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Casbah Palace, the seat of power in Casbah]] | |||
===Border disputes=== | ===Border disputes=== | ||
In 1995, George and Mary Ann Morin, the owners of a small farmhouse in the Eastern United States | In 1995, George and Mary Ann Morin, the owners of a small farmhouse in the Eastern United States noticed the border markers surrounding their property had been moved by their neighbors. [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]], a friend of the family was called to investigate the allegations privately and attempt to catch the evil neighbors in the act of desecration. Travis felt so strongly about his mission that he created an imrpomptu militia group. The militia was called "The Border Patrol Agency" and routinely patrolled the perimeter of the farmhouse while wearing military fatigues and carrying pellet guns. To prove his seriousness, Travis placed signs around the property line showing a skull and crossbones with the text "Death will result from crossing this point." No further border infractions were noted for a time. | ||
The following year, while conducting a routine patrol through the woods along the disputer border, Travis | The following year, while conducting a routine patrol through the woods along the disputer border, Travis was shot at by someone with a .22 rifle. The bullet lodged in a tree directly above his head. Evidence surfaced suggesting neighbors on both sides of the farmhouse were responsible for the border incursions and the firing of the .22. Several months later, Yeller, the Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War division of the Border Patrol Agency mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again. | ||
===Independence=== | ===Independence=== | ||
In July 1997, fed up with the law's inability to mediate the border dispute, Travis | In July 1997, fed up with the law's inability to mediate the border dispute, Travis convinced the owners of the farmhouse to proclaim independence and form their own governing body. The owners conceded to his request and were voted "Elderstatesman and Elderstateswoman" or collectively, The Elderstatesmen. They were responsible for legislative actions in the newly proclaimed "Kingdom of Casbah." After a rigged election, Travis was proclaimed monarch of Casbah and adopted the title "Maharaja Daniel." | ||
The | The Maharaja was crowned in a ceremony using a crown crafted by local artisans from an old metal lampshade and spray painted gold. His scepter at the time of his coronation was literally beaten from a plow, signifying the importance of farming in Casbah. | ||
===Imperial era=== | ===Imperial era=== | ||
Starting in 1998, Maharaja Daniel presided over the first Imperial Congress comprised only of other members of the Border Patrol Agency, both of whom would later become [[Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica|nobles of Westarctica]]: [[Countess Radlinski|Jean Morin]] and [[Viscount of Whitmore|Neil Whitmoyer]]. The Elderstatesmen | Starting in 1998, Maharaja Daniel presided over the first Imperial Congress comprised only of other members of the Border Patrol Agency, both of whom would later become [[Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica|nobles of Westarctica]]: [[Countess Radlinski|Jean Morin]] and [[Viscount of Whitmore|Neil Whitmoyer]]. The Elderstatesmen were left out of the Imperial Congress and became irate when the treasonous act was discovered. The "Imperial Congress" was banned from ever meeting again. | ||
A month later, Maharaja Daniel | A month later, Maharaja Daniel instituted a new religion in Casbah, centering on the worship of the pagan deity Pan. An altar was erected complete with burning candles and a large statue of their new god. The Maharaja was to be the High Priest of this new religion. The only practicing members were the individuals involved with the outlawed Imperial Congress. The Cult of Pan was caught in the midst of practicing their bizarre ritual of Pan worship. The Elderstateswoman remarked "Not in my house!" and demanded the immediate resignation of Maharaja Daniel. He conceded, disbanded the Border Patrol, and gave up his title and position. | ||
===Resurrection of monarchy=== | ===Resurrection of monarchy=== | ||
In October 1998, the Morin's neighbors continually | [[File:CASBAH PRINCIPALITY.jpg|350px|thumb|Woods surrounding the Kingdom of Casbah]] | ||
In October 1998, the Morin's neighbors continually harassed the Elderstatesmen concerning the free range of Casbah's chickens. This continued badgering drove the Elderstatesmen to allow Travis to return to his position of power, although he promised to act in a more restrained fashion. | |||
===The Mustard Revolution=== | ===The Mustard Revolution=== | ||
Tired of constantly blazing trails for his patrols through the orchard of Casbah, Maharaja Daniel began a campaign to destroy all the mustard weed that grew throughout Casbah. One of the members of the Border Patrol Agency, Jean Morin, could not stand to see nature destroyed and lead a rebellion against the Maharaja's campaign of destruction. The Elderstateswoman was swayed towards her daughter's opinion, and forced the Maharaja to stop destroying the mustard weed. As reparation, he was forced to establish a "mustard habitat" in Casbah, with signs to clearly mark the boundaries where the plant could grow freely. The Maharaja also had to make a short film called "Mustard is Our Future," highlighting the benefits of mustard weed and bringing Jean's crusade into the spotlight. | |||
Tired of constantly blazing trails for his patrols through the orchard of Casbah, Maharaja Daniel | |||
The promotional ad | The promotional ad was well-received, but unfortunately, the footage has been lost to time. | ||
==Military== | ==Military== | ||
| Line 73: | Line 78: | ||
===Dogs of War=== | ===Dogs of War=== | ||
The Dogs of War was a division of the Border Patrol Agency staffed entirely by dogs. The leader of the Dogs of War held the rank Sergeant at Arms. All four of the Dogs of War were responsible for assisting with border patrol duties and they frequently accompanied the soldiers on patrols or engaged in patrols on their own. | |||
The Dogs of War was a division of the Border Patrol Agency staffed entirely by dogs. The leader of the Dogs of War held the rank | |||
Yeller, the first Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War, went missing in action in 1996 and is presumed dead. | |||
[[File:DOGS OF WAR.jpg|500px|thumb|center|The Dogs of War]] | |||
==Religion in Casbah== | |||
[[File:Pan-Diety.jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Pan. A similar statue was used in the ritual worship of Pan by the citizens of the Kingdom of Casbah in 1998.]] | |||
Although the Elderstatesmen generally considered themselves to be Christians, the other citizens of Casbah were more liberal with their religious inclinations. | |||
To take advantage of this situation, the Maharaja instituted a Cult of Pan and mandated the worship of a statue of Pan. Worship was carried out in the kitchen of Casbah Palace and was accompanied by an elaborate ritual feast whereby participants would eat small dishes of snack food (peanuts, toffee chips, and bittersweet chocolate) while giving thanks to Pan for his blessings. The feast culminated with eating the "fruit of Pans loins." | |||
As the rituals centered around a resin garden statue of the Pan deity, there was significant debate between the members of the Cult as to whether they were worshiping the pagan god Pan or the statue itself. Most of the followers of Pan weren't comfortable with the thought of pagan idolatry, so it was generally agreed that they were worshiping the god Pan while the statue served as a physical representation of the deity. | |||
[[Category:Micronations]] | [[Category:Micronations]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:05, 5 September 2021
The Kingdom of Casbah was a 2.5 acre rural micronation existing within the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
| Kingdom of Casbah | ||||
| ||||
| Motto Mustard is our future | ||||
| Anthem Turkey in the Straw | ||||
| Capital city | Casbah Palace | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official language(s) | English | |||
| Short name | Casbah | |||
| Government | Parliamentary Monarchy | |||
| - Maharaja | Maharaja Daniel | |||
| - The Elder Statesmen | George and Mary Ann Morin | |||
| Legislature | Imperial Congress | |||
| Established | July 1997 | |||
| Area claimed | 2.5 acres | |||
| Population | 6 | |||
| National animal | Chicken | |||
| Patron saint | Pan | |||
Archived Website | ||||
It was created by Travis McHenry as a result of a border dispute between three neighbors and existed from 1996 - 2001, when Travis was forced out of his position as Maharajah by the legal owners of the farm. He briefly returned to his position of power in 2006 to wage a troll war against the Empire of Atlantium before being rendered inactive again in 2007.
The property on which Casbah existed was sold by the landowners in 2012 and now rests in private hands.
History
Border disputes
In 1995, George and Mary Ann Morin, the owners of a small farmhouse in the Eastern United States noticed the border markers surrounding their property had been moved by their neighbors. Travis McHenry, a friend of the family was called to investigate the allegations privately and attempt to catch the evil neighbors in the act of desecration. Travis felt so strongly about his mission that he created an imrpomptu militia group. The militia was called "The Border Patrol Agency" and routinely patrolled the perimeter of the farmhouse while wearing military fatigues and carrying pellet guns. To prove his seriousness, Travis placed signs around the property line showing a skull and crossbones with the text "Death will result from crossing this point." No further border infractions were noted for a time.
The following year, while conducting a routine patrol through the woods along the disputer border, Travis was shot at by someone with a .22 rifle. The bullet lodged in a tree directly above his head. Evidence surfaced suggesting neighbors on both sides of the farmhouse were responsible for the border incursions and the firing of the .22. Several months later, Yeller, the Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War division of the Border Patrol Agency mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again.
Independence
In July 1997, fed up with the law's inability to mediate the border dispute, Travis convinced the owners of the farmhouse to proclaim independence and form their own governing body. The owners conceded to his request and were voted "Elderstatesman and Elderstateswoman" or collectively, The Elderstatesmen. They were responsible for legislative actions in the newly proclaimed "Kingdom of Casbah." After a rigged election, Travis was proclaimed monarch of Casbah and adopted the title "Maharaja Daniel."
The Maharaja was crowned in a ceremony using a crown crafted by local artisans from an old metal lampshade and spray painted gold. His scepter at the time of his coronation was literally beaten from a plow, signifying the importance of farming in Casbah.
Imperial era
Starting in 1998, Maharaja Daniel presided over the first Imperial Congress comprised only of other members of the Border Patrol Agency, both of whom would later become nobles of Westarctica: Jean Morin and Neil Whitmoyer. The Elderstatesmen were left out of the Imperial Congress and became irate when the treasonous act was discovered. The "Imperial Congress" was banned from ever meeting again.
A month later, Maharaja Daniel instituted a new religion in Casbah, centering on the worship of the pagan deity Pan. An altar was erected complete with burning candles and a large statue of their new god. The Maharaja was to be the High Priest of this new religion. The only practicing members were the individuals involved with the outlawed Imperial Congress. The Cult of Pan was caught in the midst of practicing their bizarre ritual of Pan worship. The Elderstateswoman remarked "Not in my house!" and demanded the immediate resignation of Maharaja Daniel. He conceded, disbanded the Border Patrol, and gave up his title and position.
Resurrection of monarchy
In October 1998, the Morin's neighbors continually harassed the Elderstatesmen concerning the free range of Casbah's chickens. This continued badgering drove the Elderstatesmen to allow Travis to return to his position of power, although he promised to act in a more restrained fashion.
The Mustard Revolution
Tired of constantly blazing trails for his patrols through the orchard of Casbah, Maharaja Daniel began a campaign to destroy all the mustard weed that grew throughout Casbah. One of the members of the Border Patrol Agency, Jean Morin, could not stand to see nature destroyed and lead a rebellion against the Maharaja's campaign of destruction. The Elderstateswoman was swayed towards her daughter's opinion, and forced the Maharaja to stop destroying the mustard weed. As reparation, he was forced to establish a "mustard habitat" in Casbah, with signs to clearly mark the boundaries where the plant could grow freely. The Maharaja also had to make a short film called "Mustard is Our Future," highlighting the benefits of mustard weed and bringing Jean's crusade into the spotlight.
The promotional ad was well-received, but unfortunately, the footage has been lost to time.
Military
The Border Patrol Agency (BPA) was the paramilitary force responsible for defending the borders of Casbah. They answered directly to the Maharaja, who also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Agency and held the rank of General. Several members of Westarctica's Hereditary Nobility also served in the Border Patrol Agency including:
- General George Morin
- Commander Neil Whitmoyer
- Lieutenant Jeanne Morin
Dogs of War
The Dogs of War was a division of the Border Patrol Agency staffed entirely by dogs. The leader of the Dogs of War held the rank Sergeant at Arms. All four of the Dogs of War were responsible for assisting with border patrol duties and they frequently accompanied the soldiers on patrols or engaged in patrols on their own.
Yeller, the first Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War, went missing in action in 1996 and is presumed dead.
Religion in Casbah
Although the Elderstatesmen generally considered themselves to be Christians, the other citizens of Casbah were more liberal with their religious inclinations.
To take advantage of this situation, the Maharaja instituted a Cult of Pan and mandated the worship of a statue of Pan. Worship was carried out in the kitchen of Casbah Palace and was accompanied by an elaborate ritual feast whereby participants would eat small dishes of snack food (peanuts, toffee chips, and bittersweet chocolate) while giving thanks to Pan for his blessings. The feast culminated with eating the "fruit of Pans loins."
As the rituals centered around a resin garden statue of the Pan deity, there was significant debate between the members of the Cult as to whether they were worshiping the pagan god Pan or the statue itself. Most of the followers of Pan weren't comfortable with the thought of pagan idolatry, so it was generally agreed that they were worshiping the god Pan while the statue served as a physical representation of the deity.