When Graubünden renounced its domination of the Valtelina in 1797, the tiny hamlet Cavaione high above Brusio fell through the political cracks and entered a golden age. Forgotten by both Italy and Switzerland, the inhabitants neither did military service, nor did they pay taxes. They avoided both by claiming either Italian or Swiss citizenship as the occasion demanded. This ideal situation ended in 1874 when the 103 inhabitants were forcibly inducted as Swiss citizens by Graubünden’s parliament.