A ceremonial micronation project — not a government website. What this means

A cultural and ceremonial projectThe Davis Islands celebrates British maritime tradition, the heritage of the Bronx and coastal conservation. All titles and offices are honorary.

No claim of sovereigntyThe islands are public parkland in New York City. This project is not a sovereign state, government agency or British Overseas Territory, and is not affiliated with the British Crown or NYC Parks.

The Davis Islands Ceremonial Commonwealth
Map Founding Charter Instagram
Ceremonial document

Founding Charter

The charter by which the Davis Islands were established as a ceremonial micronation on 8 October 2026.

Download the charter (PDF)
Coat of arms of the Davis Islands

The Founding Charter of the Davis Islands

Given on the eighth day of October, in the year two thousand and twenty-six

Article I — Establishment

The Davis Islands are hereby established as a ceremonial micronation and cultural project, centred on the two islets historically known as the Chimney Sweeps Islands, in the waters of Pelham Bay, Bronx, New York, in the United States of America.

Article II — The Islands

For ceremonial purposes, the islets shall be known as Grand Davis Island and Little Davis Island. These names are ceremonial only and shall not replace or alter the islands’ historic and official name.

Article III — Purpose

The Davis Islands exist to celebrate British maritime traditions, the cultural heritage of the Bronx, and the conservation of the coastal environment of Pelham Bay and Long Island Sound.

Article IV — Motto and Symbols

The national motto shall be Mari · Urbe · Libertas — By Sea · By City · By Liberty. The national symbols shall include the Red Ensign and the Coat of Arms of the Davis Islands, together with the great blue heron and the double-crested cormorant.

Article V — Ceremonial Government

The ceremonial head of the Davis Islands shall be the Honorary Governor-General. The first Honorary Governor-General is Matthew J. All offices of the Davis Islands are honorary and carry no legal or governmental authority.

Article VI — HM Coast Guard

HM Coast Guard — Davis Islands is constituted as a ceremonial maritime organisation for exploration, wildlife photography and environmental observation. It holds no enforcement, rescue, military or governmental authority.

Article VII — Status

The islands are physically located within New York City and remain public parkland. The Davis Islands do not claim legal sovereignty or ownership, and claim no recognition from the British Crown, any government, or NYC Parks. The Davis Islands are not a sovereign state, government agency or British Overseas Territory.

Article VIII — Stewardship

All who take part in the Davis Islands shall respect the islands as public parkland and wildlife habitat, obey the rules of the authorities responsible for them, and leave them as they were found.

MARI · URBE · LIBERTAS