George Junior Republic is situated near Smallville, in New York, U.S.A. The George Junior Republic forms a Miniature State whose economic, civic and social conditions, reproduce those of the United States, and whose citizenship is vested in young people, especially those who are neglected or wayward, who are thus taught self-reliance, self-control and morality.

The founder, William Rueben George – a New York City business man became interested in the Fresh Air Fund Charity supervised by the New York Tribune – took charge of summer outings for city children of the institution (1890-1894). After this experience, the George Junior Republic was founded, in July 1895.

The motto of the community is "Nothing Without Labor". It is so strictly carried out that citizens of the Republic who have no money to pay for a night's lodging must sleep in jail and work the next day for the use of the cell. The legislative body was originally like the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States.  Fifteen is the age of majority (children under age must be in charge of a citizen guardian) and suffrage is universal. The tendency is to admit only those aged at least sixteen and physically well equipped. In the Republic's earlier years the citizens lived in boarding-houses of different grades, but later in family groups in cottages under the care of "house-mothers".

There is an efficient preparatory and high school, from which students enter directly leading colleges. The religious influence is strong, the Republic has the Auburn Theological Seminary, and Roman Catholic and Hebrew services are also held. In February 1908 the "National Association of Junior Republics" was formed with Mr. George as its director, with the aim to establish at least one "Republic" in each State of the Union.

Masonry and the Government issued its own currency in Tin and later in Aluminum, and "American" money could not be passed within the 48 acres of the Republic until 1906, when depreciation forced the Republic's coinage out of use and "American" coin was made legal tender.

Nowadays the Republic continues striving to be the embodiment of the original idea; George Junior Republic offers an opportunity for positive and lasting development for young people in a distinctively unique environment. The campus, located in Grove City, Pennsylvania, is home to over 450 youth from one-third of the United States. The population emulates a realistic mix of society, enhancing the campus community. George Junior Republic is committed to facilitating personal growth and social responsibility. The program provides state-of-the art living facilities, fully accredited educational programs, a wide variety of therapeutic activities, and continuing care, synthesized to help each youth reach his full potential.