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Conch Republic (U.S.)

image by Rick Wyatt, 6 September 1998
Capitol Flag

Background
"Official" Flag

See also:

Florida
United States of America
External sites:
Conch Republic Website

Background

The Conch (pronounced "conk") Republic was a short-lived micronation in the Florida Keys. Here's some information from their Web page:

'In July of 1982, the U.S. Border Patrol set up a military-style roadblock on the Overseas Highway in Key West, Florida, where all northbound traffic was stopped and searched for illegal aliens and drugs. The ensuing well-publicized traffic jam effectively stymied Key West's tourism industry. Mayor Dennis Wardlow, along with five local businessmen, hatched a scheme to save the Key West economy. The "Conch Republic" was created, declaring its independence and war on the United States, and then immediately surrendering and applying for foreign aid. The roadblock was discontinued, and the economy was saved. Today, the tradition of the Conch Republic revolution continues with a yearly celebration, and appointment of various Conch Ambassadors.'

There is no particular information on the flag, other than the fact that it was designed by Brooks White in 1982.
Steve Kramer, 9 April 1998

I have the flag of the Conch Republic on my desk, along with my other flags.

It says "seceded", as opposed to "succeeded", for it is an obvious pun based upon their "secession" from the United States in the early 1980s. The Conch Republic website, as well as some businesses in Key West, use puns very frequently as a method of humorous communication. They are known to "conch"quer other islands and offer free "shell"f-help sessions, as I recall.
Sean McKinniss, 15 October 2001

Official Flag

image used by permission of the office of the secretary 7 September 1998

I just spoke with the Honorable Peter Anderson, Office of the Secretary General, who informed me that the official flag is the one with the motto "we seceded where others failed" below it. The other flag is the flag of Key West, Florida with the name Conch Republic added (but is listed on their website as the "Capitol" flag).
Rick Wyatt, 7 September 1998