Drop City

Definition

Drop City was an intentional community and countercultural experiment founded in 1965 near Trinidad, Colorado, that became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement. It was established by a group of artists and hippies seeking alternative lifestyles that embraced communal living, artistic expression, and a rejection of mainstream societal norms. The community is often remembered for its unique architecture, innovative use of materials, and as a gathering place for those disillusioned with conventional society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drop City was named after the term 'drop out,' referring to individuals who rejected mainstream society in favor of a more liberated lifestyle.
2. The community gained fame for its geodesic dome structures made from discarded materials, which represented both creativity and sustainability.
3. Drop City attracted various artists, musicians, and thinkers who were part of the larger countercultural movement of the 1960s, leading to a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and experimentation.
4. Despite its initial success, Drop City faced challenges such as financial instability and internal conflicts, which ultimately contributed to its decline in the early 1970s.
5. The legacy of Drop City continues to influence contemporary discussions about alternative communities and sustainable living practices.

Review Questions

• How did Drop City exemplify the ideals of the counterculture movement during the 1960s?
  • Drop City served as a physical manifestation of the counterculture movement's ideals by promoting communal living, artistic expression, and an alternative lifestyle that rejected mainstream societal norms. The community attracted individuals who were seeking freedom from conventional structures and were committed to exploring new ways of living. Through its unique architecture and creative projects, Drop City became a hub for those who embraced the values of peace, love, and artistic innovation central to the 1960s counterculture.
• Evaluate the impact of Drop City's architectural innovations on the broader countercultural movement.
  • Drop City's architectural innovations, particularly its use of geodesic domes constructed from recycled materials, showcased how creative design could reflect the values of sustainability and communal living. This approach inspired similar communities to explore unconventional building methods that aligned with their philosophies. As more people sought alternatives to traditional housing, Drop City's architectural experiments became influential examples for other countercultural projects looking to establish their identities while promoting environmental awareness.
• Assess the reasons behind Drop City's decline in the early 1970s and its significance for future alternative communities.
  • The decline of Drop City in the early 1970s can be attributed to various factors including financial instability, internal conflicts among residents, and changing cultural dynamics. As the initial excitement surrounding the counterculture waned, many members left or became disillusioned with communal living. The struggles faced by Drop City serve as important lessons for future alternative communities about sustainability, conflict resolution, and the need for adaptability. Its legacy highlights both the potential for innovation within countercultural movements and the challenges that can arise when attempting to create lasting change outside traditional societal structures.

Related terms

Hippie Movement: A cultural movement that emerged in the 1960s characterized by its rejection of conventional values, embrace of peace and love, and exploration of alternative lifestyles.

Communal Living: A lifestyle where individuals share common resources, responsibilities, and living spaces in a close-knit community, often promoting cooperation and egalitarian principles.

Counterculture:

A cultural phenomenon that rejects and opposes the dominant societal norms, often manifesting in alternative lifestyles, artistic expressions, and social activism.