Explore Free State Project origins
Origins of the Free State Project
The Free State Project (FSP) emerged as a bold libertarian experiment in the early 2000s, driven by frustration with the perceived inefficacy of national political efforts to advance individual liberty. Its core premise was simple yet ambitious: recruit 20,000 or more “liberty-oriented” individuals—libertarians, anarchists, anarcho-capitalists, pacifists, and freedom-minded people from across the political spectrum—to voluntarily relocate to a single low-population U.S. state. Once there, they would leverage their concentrated numbers to influence local politics, culture, and policy toward a society emphasizing maximum freedoms in life, liberty, and property, while minimizing government intervention.
The Founding Spark: Jason Sorens’ 2001 Essay
The FSP traces its roots to September 2001, when Jason Sorens—a 24-year-old political science PhD student at Yale University—published an essay titled “The Declaration of Independence for New Hampshire” (later revised and retitled) in the online journal The Libertarian Enterprise. Sorens, a self-described classical liberal influenced by thinkers like Murray Rothbard and experiences with bureaucratic overreach (such as IRS audits and campus speech restrictions), argued that scattered libertarian activism was futile against entrenched national power structures. Instead, he proposed a “political experiment” of mass migration to one state, where 20,000 newcomers (about 1% of a small state’s population) could tip electoral balances and foster a “free society” through voting, legislation, and cultural shifts.
The essay struck a chord in libertarian circles, sparking immediate online buzz. Within days, a Yahoo group formed with hundreds of members debating logistics: Which state? Secession as an endgame? Tactical voting or third-party runs? Sorens, initially wary of radicalism, steered discussions toward pragmatic, non-violent strategies rooted in the non-aggression principle (no initiation of force against others, but self-defense allowed). By late 2001, the group formalized the FSP as a nonprofit corporation with bylaws, a slogan (“Liberty in our lifetime”), and a porcupine logo symbolizing defensive liberty.
A key element was the Statement of Intent (Pledge): Signers committed to move to the chosen state within five years of the 20,000-signer threshold and “exert the fullest practical effort toward” limiting government to protecting life, liberty, and property. This pledge emphasized voluntary action over coercion, distinguishing the FSP from more militant movements.
Selecting New Hampshire: The 2003 Vote
Early FSP discussions considered states like Wyoming, Alaska, and Vermont for their small populations and geographic isolation, which could amplify newcomer influence. Secession was floated as a long-term “Plan B” to escape federal overreach, but Sorens downplayed it to avoid alienating moderates.
In 2003, with only about 5,000 signatures, members voted on five finalists. New Hampshire won decisively (52% of the vote), edging out Wyoming. Factors included its small legislature (the nation’s largest per capita but easiest to influence), no sales or income tax, strong gun rights traditions, and a “Live Free or Die” ethos. Proximity to major cities like Boston also eased relocation. The choice surprised some—New Hampshire wasn’t the most remote—but it aligned with Sorens’ vision of a state already semi-aligned with libertarian values.
Early Challenges and Evolution
The FSP’s launch wasn’t smooth. Post-9/11 patriotism muted some enthusiasm, and internal debates over tactics (e.g., civil disobedience vs. mainstream politics) caused friction. Sorens stepped back in 2003 to finish his PhD but remained involved; leadership passed to figures like Varrin Swearingen. By 2006, the 20,000-pledge milestone was hit, triggering migrations—though actual moves lagged behind sign-ups.
Critics early on labeled it a “libertarian takeover” plot, fearing it could lead to balkanization or extremism. The FSP countered by promoting integration: Members joined major parties (mostly Republicans, some Democrats), ran for office, and focused on incremental wins like tax cuts and deregulation. Events like the annual Porcupine Freedom Festival (PorcFest) built community, blending activism with music and education.
Today, with over 25,000 pledges and ~6,000 residents, the FSP has reshaped New Hampshire’s discourse—boasting 20+ state legislators, pioneering crypto adoption, and landmark lawsuits on privacy (e.g., filming police). Yet it grapples with infighting, expulsions of radicals, and public skepticism. Sorens reflects that while national libertarianism remains marginal, the FSP proved “you can make a difference at the state level.”
In essence, the FSP’s origins embody libertarian optimism: a grassroots bet that concentrated action could seed freedom in an unfree world. For deeper dives, the original essay and pledge are archived on fsp.org.
What is Carla Gericke role in the FSP?
Carla Gericke’s Role in the Free State Project
Carla Gericke has been a prominent figure in the Free State Project (FSP) since relocating to New Hampshire in 2008 as an early mover. She is deeply embedded in the organization’s leadership and advocacy efforts, blending her background as an attorney, author, and entrepreneur with a passion for libertarian principles.
Current Leadership Position
- Chairwoman of the Board: Gericke currently serves as the Chairwoman of the FSP’s Board of Directors. In this role, she helps build the vision for a freer future, represents the organization publicly, and collaborates with volunteers on strategic projects. The board operates under the FSP’s bylaws, guiding the nonprofit’s direction toward fostering individual liberty in New Hampshire.
Primary Spokesperson
- As the primary spokesperson for the FSP, Gericke is the public face of the movement. She frequently speaks at events, media appearances, and rallies to promote the FSP’s mission of creating a society with minimal government intervention and maximum personal freedom. This includes defending the project against critics and highlighting its successes, such as policy wins on privacy, taxes, and gun rights.
Past Roles and Contributions
- Former Executive Director: Gericke previously held the position of Executive Director, overseeing day-to-day operations, fundraising, and community outreach during a pivotal growth phase for the FSP.
- PorcFest Organizer: She has been a key organizer of the Porcupine Freedom Festival (PorcFest), the FSP’s flagship annual event—a blend of activism, education, music, and networking that draws thousands of liberty enthusiasts. Her involvement earned her the affectionate nickname “Queen Quill,” referencing the porcupine’s quill and her role in “quilling” (defending) the movement.
Gericke’s involvement extends beyond formal roles; she integrates FSP principles into her broader work, including co-founding Chainstone Labs (a crypto and finance incubator)[EDIT: THIS IS INCORRECT. I SPOKE AT SEVERAL FSB-DACS.] and hosting community events on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. Her personal story—from immigrating from South Africa, practicing law in Silicon Valley, to embracing Bitcoin in 2015—inspires many in the FSP community, emphasizing self-ownership and mindset shifts toward freedom.
For the most up-to-date details, check the official FSP Board page at fsp.org/board.