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Flag of Arcacia (1812-1979)
Arcacia was first settled in 1810, jointly by British and French explorers. Since then it has grown to a nation of nearly 1.3 million people.
Discovery[]
In 1810, an English ship sailed up Australia's East coast in order to complete a close survey of the coast. The expedition was led by Admiral James Cliffton who was now at odds with New South Wales Governor Arthur Phillip. Phillip sent Cliffton on the survey as a means to get him out of Sydney and thus, out of his hair.
On August 9, 1810, upon finding the islands, Cliffton decided to port in what is now the town of Founder's Cove where he and his crew, made up mostly of freed convicts now working for the British Navy, decided not to return to Sydney. A day later, a team of French explorers let by Jean le Neuf crossed the short stretch of water between Australia and Arcacia to land in what is now Redding City.
Settlement[]
It was not long before the British and French met on the plains in what is now the city of Yorke. Cliffton expressed his desire not to return to Sydney and said he could not return to England either, as he would no doubt be hung for treason having essentially stolen a British Navy vessel. Le Neuf also expressed his unwillingness to return to France, a voyage of at least 6-8 months. The two men quickly became friends and decided to settle the new land themselves and keep it secret from both governments.
The English settlers established Providence as a collection of tents on what is now Capitol Island. The French built a small fort in Redding and the two settlements decided that the plains of Yorke would be ideal for mutual agriculture.
Word soon spread of this new colony that was not under the authority of either England or France and freed convicts and even some escapees trickled into Arcacia, causing the population to rise to over 2,000 in under a year. By 1812, there were 2,500 settlers. Providence was now a thriving town, Redding was a formidable fortress and the town of Yorke had sprung up as a base for the countries agriculture.
Council of Providence[]
On July 1, 1812 Cliffton and le Neuf met in Providence to discuss the future of the colony. This was due to the ever present danger of a British invasion. It was decided that a constitution should be written and Arcacia declare itself an independent nation. A short document was written which defined Arcacia's territory, set Providence as the capital and described a simple form of democracy. A short bill of rights was also included. The constitution was adopted and Arcacia's first flag was raised on July 4, 1812.