How a New Hampshire Libertarian Utopia Was Foiled by Bears

The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town

In 2001, a group of libertarians embarked on an ambitious experiment to create a utopian society in Grafton, New Hampshire. The Free State Project (FSP) aimed to recruit 20,000 like-minded individuals to the town, reduce government services, and establish a "free-market paradise."

Some Bears

As the FSP gained traction, however, an unexpected obstacle emerged: bears. The town's thriving bear population, emboldened by dwindling human activity, began to raid trash cans, break into homes, and even attack residents.

The utopian vision of Grafton clashed with the harsh realities of nature. One resident recounted how a bear invaded her house while she was away, destroying furniture and leaving behind a mess.

A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear

The conflict between libertarians and bears became a humorous anecdote and a symbol of the challenges of implementing extreme ideologies in the face of practical constraints.

The Free State Project

Despite the bear attacks and other setbacks, the FSP continued to grow. By 2020, over 6,000 libertarians had moved to Grafton, creating a significant shift in the town's political landscape.

Fires, Bear Attacks, and Unpaved Roads

The utopian experiment also faced other challenges. Forest fires, unpaved roads, and a lack of basic services became obstacles to daily life.

Conclusion

The Free State Project's utopian vision of a libertarian paradise was thwarted by the unexpected challenge of bears. This quirky tale highlights the complexities of implementing extreme ideologies and the limitations of human attempts to control nature. As the residents of Grafton learned, even the most ambitious plans can be humbled by the unforeseen forces of the natural world.