The idea that would eventually manifest into the Republic of Molossia—a country within the United States—occurred to President Kevin Baugh when he was 15 years old and living with his parents in Portland, Ore. With his best friend, James, he watched “The Mouse that Roared,” the British satirical film starring Peter Sellars, based on Leonard Wibberley’s Cold War novel of the same name. In the film, Count Mountjoy, played by Sellars, declares war upon the United States—and wins.
It was a watershed moment for Baugh. “I was blown away by the film’s imagination and creativity,” Baugh says. “I was fascinated by the idea of creating my own country. That was the seed.”
But how could a 15-year-old know what founding one’s own country and building a community would entail? How many nations have, for one reason or another, failed? And when they fail, their leaders often take the blame. None of that stopped Baugh. Along with James, he founded the Grand Republic of Vuldstein in 1977. When James moved away to attend a new school, Baugh was faced with his first major challenge, but he stuck to his guns. In 1999, Baugh founded the Republic of Molossia, near Dayton, Nev.
The Republic of Molossia is roughly nine miles north of Dayton, near the Mark Twain Estates and Mark Twain Park, which is telling. Twain’s spirit hangs over Molossia, reminding residents that a wink and an elbow to the ribs are as necessary to life as bread and water.
“Those with a sense of humor get what we’re doing here,” says Baugh. “Those who lack a sense of humor are often confused by Molossia.” Baugh isn’t anti-American; in fact, Baugh served with the U.S. Army for 11 years as a field medic. “We aren’t secessionists,” he says. “We’re a group of people who are all moving in the same direction. We work together for the greater good.”
After leaving the Army, Baugh served with the Nevada National Guard while building his growing country. Today, the Molossia population is 35 souls; the newest addition to the community is Luna Harrison, born Aug. 25, 2021.
Molossia covers 11.3 acres of arid desert land in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where wild horses, coyotes, and jackrabbits forage among the sagebrush and pinyon pine trees. Baugh’s vision and steady hand helped mold Molossia into the small but lively community it is today. It’s got its own currency, trading post, post office, passports, Navy, and, of course, wars.
“What’s a country without a war?” Baugh asks, rhetorically. “We’ve been at war with East Germany for decades.” While Baugh scoffs at the idea that he’s a tyrannical war-monger, he is also skeptical when asked how peace talks are going. “To tell the truth, I don’t see an end to hostilities between our nations. In fact, it may go on forever.” While it’s impossible to tell how Baugh feels about that unfortunate fact, he lets slip its origins.
“I was stationed in East Germany in 1983,” he says. “A siren would wail during the night. It woke me up one too many times.” Although East Germany was dissolved on Oct. 3, 1990, in 1972, Fidel Castro gifted the country’s leaders with a small island off the Cuban coast, Cayo Blanco del Sur, and renamed it Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann. “It’s uninhabited,” Baugh says. “Except for East German iguanas and birds. And they’re not interested in peace talks.”
Those interested in helping Molossian efforts may buy war bonds via www.molossia.org. With the war in full swing, Baugh says that community and humor bind Molossians. “It’s important that we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he says. “If you can laugh, laugh.”
Meanwhile, Baugh is focused on building a robust tourist economy. Radiant Life tried to arrange a visit, but was denied. “We’re near the Sierra Nevadas,” Baugh explains. “The winters are brutal. We don’t want a repeat of the Donner Party” (when pioneers became trapped in a snowy pass and resorted to eating their deceased). For safety reasons, tourist season is April 15 through October 15.
Molossians celebrate a mélange of international holidays, from Guy Fawkes Day to Boxing Day to Christmas. But the big one is Founders Day. “We celebrate 45 years this May,” notes Baugh. Those interested in arranging a tour may visit Molossia’s website to make reservations. “We expect visitors from nearby U.S. cities, as well as international diplomats and jetsetters. They’ll be treated to BBQ and a live band. Remember to bring your passports,” he adds.
Visitors should know that some items are not allowed within Molossian borders. These include firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, and tobacco. Incandescent lightbulbs, plastic shopping bags, catfish, “fresh spinach,” and onions are also prohibited. “Missionaries, salesmen, and walruses will not be permitted to enter,” reminds Baugh.
