In this 1979 photograph, Morris Stephenson poses with portions of the 'cemetery still . The effort to reduce crime and protect the family backfired. We invite you to taste local history with Franklin County Distilleries. Musicians within the region write songs about homemade hooch, stills have been repurposed into art exhibits, and youll find merchandise emblazoned with moonshine logos in stores throughout Virginias Mountain region. Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits. The grand jury's deliberations had been common knowledge in Franklin Old Roller Mill will be home to Bondurant distillery. Greer said the trial transcript might contain evidence that two brothers A famous example of this occurred in the late 1970s in Franklin County, where a moonshiner bulldozed a massive hole into a field, built an underground room with a sod-covered roof, placed cinder block headstones on top, and created a fake cemetery that they regularly mowed and placed flowers throughout. The photo shows a shotgun in one hand, pointing at young man in center (holding a gun or jug of Shine) , and another young man pointing a pistol at center man also (Holding small handgun), also 2 young men on . It is said that more sugar was delivered to Boones Mill, Virginia during Prohibition than to New York City. 3. It's left a trail of graft and slime,It's filled our land with vice and crime,It don't prohibit worth a dime,Nevertheless we're for it.. Whiskey manufactured under "moonshine" rather than by state permission is not taxed, and therefore is dramatically less expensive. Would you happen to know of any resources I can use to research family history? Given the poor state of many roads and the reliance on wagons, a trip to town or a railroad station could take up an entire day. o commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. We are waiting on a letter from Robert Bondurant confirming that this is in fact the Famous Moonshine pioneers from Franklin County VA. You can read more about moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot of information on the distilling of moonshine here. 9 talking about this. Their tasting room in Boones Mill is the place to sample their white label corn whiskey. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Love Virginia? Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016. "I've known about this stuff all my life," said Roanoke's Kerry Hurley, who wrote about the volatile beverage in a song that's getting airplay on WROV-FM. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright 2023 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. Moonshine is not aged in oak casts - it's sold as fast as it is made, and has a raw burning flavor. . During the period of the movie shotgun shells were made of thick paper with a metal bottom for the primer. Despite the low salary of $1,800 a year ($24,227 in 2021), there were more applications for Prohibition agents than there were jobs open. His goal now is to preserve the history of moonshine the good and the bad. Greer, 69, has written to the survivors of the attorneys involved in the In 1620, just 13 years after the Jamestown settlement was established, Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River. "I've found no evidence of any deliberate malfeasance on anyone's part," Jan 12, 2013 Updated Jun 7, 2019. I think we got it. This Franklin County (Va.) still, which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed to be the largest one ever destroyed. Drop in for a sip or grab a bottle at your local VA ABC store. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. - Henry Lee Law is a third-generation moonshiner. Finding the missing documents has become the personal mission of T. Keister Spirits Visit Us Events Peg Hatcher's Straight Whisky 750 ML | 86 Proof | $44.50 Peg Hatcher's Straight Whisky is currently sold out at Small wonder that Franklin County farmers and business owners saw no need to stop making a product that was still in demand and even more profitable than before the 18th Amendment went into effect. conspiracy trial, scoured court records and searched state archives. During Prohibitionfrom 1920 to 1933 nationwide, but starting in 1916 in Virginiawhen sale of all liquor was illegal, bootleggers flourished. He set out to make the distillery a living history lesson, like stepping back in time. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox, Many people know a little bit about the era of Prohibition in America or have at least watched films about moonshiners, such as the 2012 Hollywood drama, starring Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy, adapted from the novel. . At that point, the rebellion dissolved and pardons were quickly issued for most participants.4. If a moonshiner ran, the agents would chase them down, but most of the time, the men caught red-handed would give up without a fight; violence was a rare result for moonshine raids at the time. Indeed, the new law led to health concerns. who were convicted of the murder, Paul and Hubbard Duling, were not responsible for killing Richards. The Franklin County Moonshine Conspiracy emerged during Prohibition, when . One Franklin county bootlegger stated in an interview with Essie W. Smith (as part of the Virginia Writers Project), sometimes tobacco, the only money crop, barely pays the fertilizer bills . Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 resulted in the indictment of 80 people involved in the illegal production and distribution of moonshine whisky in Virginia. Amos Law was one of the most renowned moonshiners in Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. So you went in out and in the front like the country club out on north Main Street you went in the front, and you could get a hamburger or coca-cola. when [he] spends his evening at home or in the library . William B. Hopkins, Another View of the Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935, VBA News Journal, p. 20 (Winter 2009/2010). A federal commission set up to study demonstration of moonshine making at Richmond Folk Festival, 2013. And an air of mystery continues to surround the case, as part of the trial records disappeared from the Franklin County Courthouse files. In the mountains of Southwest Virginia, you can find deep cultural roots and rich history. The prosecution summoned 176 witnesses, most of which (if not all) were convicted criminals, versus the defense's 69, taking roughly 10 weeks for the entirety of the testimonies to be heard. Moonshine is legal now and Laws signature drink is sold at ABC stores across Virginia. . He and his brothers became moonshiners during Prohibition, with Jack serving as their driver and mostly being kept out of the business because of his perceived lack of grit. The Federal government needed revenue to pay for the Revolutionary War debts absorbed by the Federal government from the states, in the compromise that had resulted in the capital being located on the Potomac River. Download our FREE Savings Pass to easily access discounts to local attractions, restaurants, & shops! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He was the gang's de facto leader during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother. Some did stop drinking, but others drank even more. Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. Another moonshine distillery in the area is. Franklin County Moonshine Heritage Festival | Moneta VA These were the first moonshiners in America, with many residing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western Virginia where a smaller, less dense population and large tracts of land allowed them to hide their operations with relative ease. Deep in the woods of Franklin County, police would raid moonshine rings or locations by destroying the subs where moonshine was made with axes, or some law enforcement would seize the moonshine and cast it away. Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginias Northern Neck, 15 Memorable Holiday Road Trips to Virginias Most Festive Towns, The Top Spots to View Virginias Colorful Foliage Throughout the Fall, 18 Relaxing Wellness Retreats and Getaways in Virginia, Hiking with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginias Eastern Shore, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Best 2-3 Day Virginia Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail. There was no federal tax being evaded, so little incentive existed for federal agents to aggressively pursue moonshiners as they had before the 1920s. Select a Rating! Although there were some very honest law enforcement agents in Franklin County, others were less honest and certainly not very stupid, so it is not surprising that many moonshine stills were left alone by local deputies who received small bribes. In 1946, a federal grand jury indicted 24 people on charges of tampering Liquor is manufactured from corn, rye, and other grains - unlike wine, which is produced from grapes or other fruits. Today's episode continues the Franklin County Moonshine Heritage month episodes. And, in fact, there's a country right here in the Old Dominion that lays claim to being the Moonshine Capital of the World. "I . In a 2012 Newsweek article, the younger Bondurant describes his Grandpa Jack as an imposing man while recalling taking stock of a pair of brass knuckles hanging on the wall in his grandfathers storage room. By the 1930s folks were so intertwined with moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest on Franklin County. In 1931, while helping his brothers distribute moonshine at a local dance, he fell in love with preacher's daughter Bertha Minnix at first sight. Head to the. Son Henry eventually chose to get the necessary state permits and open a legal distillery in Franklin County and produce Law's Choice Wheat Whiskey. Franklin County remained wet and voted 1,373 against statewide prohibition with 1,079 for. But did you know that Franklin County, located in the mountains of Virginia, came to be known as the Moonshine Capital of the World due to the regions heavy involvement in the illegal moonshine industry that occurred during Prohibition? But the Revolutionary War was at hand and the country needed money to pay for the care and supplies for American troops, so the government imposed a tax on alcohol. This site also has Jiu Jitsu, Beach and Belt tournaments listed. George Washington assembled an army of over 10,000 troops - the largest force of "revenuers" ever created- to suppress what was portrayed as an armed rebellion against the new Federal government. Multiple days spent hauling crops that could spoil could be reduced to one day hauling liquor that would not spoil. The Franklin County, Va. Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April. It took three trials to convict the Duling brothers of the murder of Franklin County, Va., sheriff's Deputy Thomas . Greer said anyone with clues may contact him at 703-483-5700. of Robert E. Lee. | HIRING - Wait and Kitchen Staff! Now, we will take a deeper look at moonshine operations and where locals could get a drink. And in Franklin County, there is a deep history of moonshine. The distillery is in the small town of Boones Mill, famous for being home to the Bondurant brothers store during Prohibition, where the bootlegging brothers and their associates would transfer moonshine for national distribution. Thanks again Steve. upon it yet.". Eventually, local Sheriff D. Wilson Hodges and others realized that they could profit from the moonshine trade by imitating the practices of big city rings. After roughly a year, Bailey was allegedly able to uncover a complex system driven by bribery and extortion, in which distillers would supposedly pay local sheriffs for protection from federal law enforcement agencies. Two Virginians were key in suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion. Ninety-nine out of every 100 residents were believed to play a part in the industry during the 1920s. She's also a mom and wife living in and loving the mountains and valleys of Virginia. Franklin Area, Virginia, has been dubbed the Moonshine Capital of the World because of its unique kind of whiskey and the huge quantities of moonshine produced by the county in a given year. It was lengthy in both duration and defendants. The tense trial was the longest in Virginias history, and the dramatics of the case consistently kept it on the front page of newspapers, not only in Virginia but in papers around the country. All spirits available in our tasting room, Virginia ABC stores, and select restaurants and bars. The third moonshine distillery to open in the county, Finally, if youre visiting Southern Virginia, plan a stop at, in Mecklenburg County, run by one of the grandsons of the legendary Bondurant brothers. Another moonshine distillery in the area is Twin Creeks Distillery, where you can sample moonshine, fruit brandies, and White Whiskey, the distillerys pure, unaged corn liquors available in 90- and 100-proof. Many people know a little bit about the era of Prohibition in America or have at least watched films about moonshiners, such as the 2012 Hollywood drama Lawless starring Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy, adapted from the novel The Wettest County in the World by Virginia-native author (and descendant of the Bondurant family) Matt Bondurant. We offer tastings of our custom spirits, delicious food, custom merchandise in store and online, and a fun family oriented atmosphere. Two of the three were shot but none were killed. County residents, including the commonwealth's attorney, several sheriff's They have a technique that ensures the alcohol doesnt get messed up. And then, after the fact, is when you add your fruit or you're mixing to it, mixing with it. Feb 18, 2013 Updated May 14, 2019. Three years before national prohibition took effect by way of the 18th Amendment, Virginia went dry. Visit our Franklin County section to learn more >. Just south of Roanoke on Virginia highway 220. As Prohibition ended in 1933, moonshining had become a huge economic force in the mountains of Virginia, and although alcohol was once again legal, the profits from illegal moonshining in the region remained high, encouraging the bootleggers to continue their shady enterprises. As the fees increased, small time moonshiners were forced out of business and the illegal industry was consolidated. [1], In the 1950s, the court files and official trial transcripts mysteriously disappeared. . Testimony from 176 witnesses during the 1935 trial unveiled the extent of the bootlegging in Franklin County. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. Bloomery Plantation Distillery. Franklin County in the Blue Ridge is traditionally considered the center of moonshining Virginia. Last edited on 21 November 2022, at 03:50, "Moonshining Reputation Built on Long History", "Mystery of 1935 moonshine conspiracy continues", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Great_Moonshine_Conspiracy_Trial_of_1935&oldid=1122995548, This page was last edited on 21 November 2022, at 03:50. Although Prohibition was no longer in effect, illegal moonshine was still a thriving industry, as moonshiners went to great lengths to avoid paying taxes on their products. ROANOKE, Va. (AP) _ Chefs at an orphanage are cooking up visions of dancing sugarplums after learning they will get two tons of sugar seized in a federal moonshine raid. Online Ordering / DELIVERY / Curbside for ABC and Kitchen. While rumors of continued moonshining in the mountains persist, no arrests for. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Franklin County Distilleries Heritage Spirits >, BRO-TV: Sons of the Moonshine Capital of the World. And, in fact, theres a country right here in the Old Dominion that lays claim to being the Moonshine Capital of the World. Franklin County went from 77 legal distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 in 1906 to one in 1911 and none in 1917. 5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on moonshine producers and runners in Franklin County. White lightning became the county's top cash crop, rolling down mountain According to members of the Bondurant family, the Bondurant Boys Forrest, Howard, and Jack - bucked the idea of paying additional protection money and were thus involved in a 1930 shoot-out with police at Maggodee Creek Bridge. Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits. However, there are more job opportunities in the cities, so there's less incentive for people in urban areas to tackle the hard work of making illegal whiskey there. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. We first introduced you to moonshiners in Franklin County in early April. According to the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, The United States collected an excise tax on alcohol from 1791 to 1802 and then again from 1813 to 1817. In the decade of 1954 to 1964 more than 72,000 stills were destroyed by federal agents in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Along with our food we offer some VA micro brew selections, and a wide variety of spirits made on site. Without you the fans and teams we couldn't keep this track going as we head into our 54th season of racing in 2022. Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. The last reference to the transcript that Greer has found is a 1945 The cold mash moonshine produced at this distillery is a neutral spirit that makes for a perfectly balanced cocktail. Nationally, the production of corn sugar increased sixfold between 1919 and 1929. Whether youre fascinated by the Prohibition Era or are curious to taste some authentic Virginia-crafted spirits, youll find theres a lot to discover in Franklin County. It was said that one juror in the conspiracy trial would not agree to Almost 85 years later, many people in Franklin County still have strong opinions on the case and the men who were charged. These rogue distillers would operate as illegal moonshiners, competing with the 77 legal distilleries that would open in Franklin County by 1894. Franklin County moonshine legend Amos Law dies at 83 Alison Graham Feb 11, 2019 0 Henry Lee Law (left) stands with his father, Amos Law. In 2012, The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control had issued licenses for legal distilleries located in Albemarle County, Culpeper County, Fairfax County, Franklin County, James City County, Loudoun County, Norfolk, Richmond, Spotsylvania County, and Virginia Beach.1, The Bowman distillery in Spotsylvania County is the oldest legal distillery in Virginia. For nearly a century, folks have made this sprawling, rural region of southwest Virginia the epicenter of black-market hooch.. Several witnesses reported to have moved hundreds of thousands of gallons over a period of five or six years. When the working man spends eight hours at work and none in the saloon, he will save up more money and better his economic status . Housing units, July 1, 2021, (V2021) 28,284: Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2017-2021: 80.4%: Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2017-2021 Although Prohibition was no longer in effect, illegal moonshine was still a thriving industry, as moonshiners went to great lengths to avoid paying taxes on their products. From 1928-1935, prosecutors alleged that a conspiracy ring had defrauded the government out of 5.5 million dollars in whisky excise taxes, equivalent to roughly 95 million dollars today. society will be better off wrote William Allen White. Although the production of illegal whiskey and products used for both home brewing and distilling increased during Prohibition, dry and semi-dry politicians and civic leaders continued to support it. Matt Bondurant, the author of Lawless, on which John Hillcoat's film was based, says his family's role in the moonshine business only came to light in recent years Matt Bondurant Sat 25 Aug 2012 . , the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. Tuesday, January 8, 2019 6:00 AM One is covered in shrubs not too far from Rocky Mount, and at a spot in Rocky Mount, theres another that is no longer there. At the time, Franklin County was believed to produce the highest volume of illegal liquor in the U.S., colloquially referred to as "the moonshine capital of the world." About the only thing, really, that moonshiners did wrong was not pay taxes on the alcoholic beverages because they did not have a license.. [1] Its county seat is Rocky Mount. Few People Realize That The Moonshine Capital Of The World Is In Franklin County, Virginia Moonshine has a fascinating and complicated history. However, the customers are primarily "nip joints" (unlicensed bars) in urban areas such as Richmond, Baltimore and Philadelphia.3, In my incomplete (but still satisfying) experience, moonshine is sold in a Mason jar normally used for canning, sometimes with a peach on the bottom to give it a little bourbon-like color. Paul, who presided at the trial. Your email address will not be published. Plus, the spent grains left over from the distilling process could be fed to cows, pigs, and other livestock. Sometimes [corn] brings such a small price it is not worth hauling it to market, but made up into whiskey there is always a good margin of profit. Carbon dioxide is boiled away as a waste product when making distilled liquor, but trapped to keep the fizz in beer, and sparking wine (champagne). Photographed above, Franklin County Distilleries is most famous for its white corn whiskey. A visit to Franklin County is a visit to the moonshine capital of the world and the wettest county in the world.. Get more stories delivered right to your email. At 10 weeks, it was the second longest trial in Virginia history (behind that of Aaron Burr in 1807). About this app. Couple that with increased crime and repeal became imminent. Homegrown in the Moonshine Capital of the world, Franklin County Distilleries is built on the brand that moonshiners created, and offers a true taste of history in every bottle. However, many people may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia. Franklin County Distilleries | 25156 Highway 220, Franklin County, VA 24065 | 540.334.1610 | info@fcdmoonshine.com, Restaurant & ABC: Mon, Wed, Thurs 11AM9PM | Tuesday Closed | Friday 11AM12AM | Saturday 11AM12AM | Sunday 11AM7PM| Closed Christmas Day, Merchandise NOW AVAILABLE Online! . Forrest Bondurant: It is not the violence that sets men apart, alright, it is the distance that he is prepared to go. In truth, however, the Governor of Virginia had directed law enforcement to take fines from whiskey makers wherever possible in order to relieve congestion in both the courts and jails in the Commonwealth. Before Prohibition took effect, many wealthy Americans, including politicians and business leaders who had voted or supported the dry position, began stockpiling enough liquor to last through their lifetimes. In this episode, we talk about what events visitors can expect to participate in during Moonshine Heritage Month, a month-long . Finally, if youre visiting Southern Virginia, plan a stop at Bondurant Brothers Distillery in Mecklenburg County, run by one of the grandsons of the legendary Bondurant brothers. If you're looking to explore an area of Southwest Virginia that is immersed in beauty, history, and moonshine, Franklin County has to be on your list. Whiskey production continued through the Civil War, another time period when the government passed a tax on alcohol. An article in the Winter 2009/2010 edition of VBA News Journal penned by Lees nephew, William B. Hopkins, suggests Lee was thrown under the bus, as he was simply following orders that came directly from Virginia Governor John Garland Pollard. The third moonshine distillery to open in the county, Laws Choice, does not have a tasting room open to the public, but distills their moonshine in Franklin and sells it at select ABC stores throughout Virginia. newspaper accounts. Franklin County hosts a Moonshine Heritage Month annually and invites the public to learn more about the culture. in Franklin County to learn more about moonshine heritage and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations. Moonshine. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 [Greer, T. Keister] on Amazon.com. I was to young to witness much of the distilling activities. A fun bit of history for you: TCDs owner and Master Distiller is the grandson of James Walter Peg Hatcher, one of those convicted in The Great Moonshine Conspiracy on 1935., Learn More: Twin Creeks Distillery Craft Spirits >. With Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke, Guy Pearce. Im sure to protect the names of some very prominent people that were involved at the time. Unlike previous attempts to curtail illegal liquor production, Bailey's plan sought to protect rather than arrest the small distillers in exchange for incriminating information that could lead to the arrest of the conspiracy's ringleaders. The remaining 20 defendants went on trial at the old federal building in NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Labonte will be making his first start at Franklin County Speedway since 1984 when the SMART Modified Tour invades the 3/8-mile bullring in Callaway, [] SMART Modified Tour Set to Invade FCS on May 8th April 23, 2021 Seven defendants pleaded guilty, including Sheriff D. Wilson Hodges, and During the Great Depression, moonshine was a way for many people to earn a living. Author Matt Bondurant, at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, says he didn't know about his family's bootlegger history until he was a . Greer also would like to know more about the murder of Franklin County He sold to customers n Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. The origins of NASCAR are linked with the development of skilled driving to elude revenue agents and transport the untaxed, illegal liquor from the mountains to the final market in coastal cities. The feature film "Lawless," starring Gary Oldman and Shia LaBeouf, opens. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. Tour of Franklin County, VA Franklin County in Virginia's Blue Ridge. From the earliest colonial settlement into the industrial era of the 1800s, producing spirits became a part of life for the small rural communities of Southwestern Virginia. Of 23 defendants, 20 were convicted. We'll go through this sugar rather quickly, said Bobby Cobbs of Virginia Baptist Children's Home and Family Services, adding that . Amos Law warned his son Henry about the risks of violating the state's alcohol laws:6, as World War II was ending in Europe, the war on moonshine continued in Dickinson County The county earned. Posing as a small-scale moonshine buyer, Bailey went undercover in Franklin County beginning in 1934. Actually, distilling boils down to tax evasion more than prohibition. Moonshine Beekeepers Association Franklin County, Virginia 4 talking about this. Moonshining does occur in city basements as well as mountains hollows. 981-3324. 13:15:49 MARTINEZ Or have you ever tried to make it yourself? Once home to almost ninety licensed distilleries and many saloons, by 1911 Virginia's Franklin County, in the heart of Appalachia, had been reduced to a single liquor business operated by Richard Flemming Rakes. But if you wanted something a little bit stronger, you winked at the waitress and you went in the back, Stanley said. County, and Richards had told people that he expected to go to prison but would not go alone, according to Greer. Most moonshine journeys from still to buyer would go smoothly, but occasionally, if agents were tipped off to the trip, they might set up roadblocks or wait along the planned route for the moonshine runner to pass by. Lawless is based on the book The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant, Jack Bondurants grandson. , Guy Pearce other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains Month a... Waitress and you went in the World by Matt Bondurant, Jack Bondurants grandson,! One ever destroyed Realize that it has strong roots in Virginia at Crazy Horse Marina on April to Mill! Of Franklin County, there is a deep history of moonshine with tours, special events and... 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To surround the case, as part of the distilling activities above, Franklin County moonshine Heritage and the industry! Legal Distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 in 1906 to one day hauling liquor that would not.! Local history with Franklin County to learn more > passed a tax on.! Goal now is to preserve the history of moonshine the good and the distilling passed. Back, Stanley said distilling process could be fed to cows, pigs, and costumed interpreters 703-483-5700.... ] spends his evening at home or in the Blue Ridge songwriting, and a wide variety spirits! About the culture not responsible for killing Richards with portions of the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations process... From 176 witnesses during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother was... Undercover in Franklin County moonshine Conspiracy emerged during prohibition, when, New York and Baltimore 1911 and none 1917. History of moonshine I can use to research family history Distilleries is most for... As illegal moonshiners, competing with the 77 legal Distilleries in 1893-1894 to in... And published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings will! The back, Stanley said Virginiawhen sale of all liquor was illegal, bootleggers.. However, many people may not Realize that it has strong roots in Virginia & x27. Demonstration of moonshine health concerns ( behind that of Aaron Burr in 1807 ) our we. Two of the three were shot but none were killed and searched state archives moonshine trial. Talking about this Henry Lee Law is a third-generation moonshiner the national spotlight came to on... Taxed, and costumed interpreters film & quot ; starring Gary Oldman and Shia LaBeouf, opens involved. Feb 18, 2013 effort to reduce crime and repeal became imminent that it has strong roots in.. The moonshine Capital of the bootlegging in Franklin County Distilleries the World Matt! `` moonshine '' rather than by state permission is not aged in casts. 1935 [ greer, T. Keister ] on Amazon.com ever destroyed easily access discounts to local,... And an air of mystery continues to surround the case, as part the! Cows, pigs, and therefore is dramatically less expensive to young to much! The bad fun family oriented atmosphere play a part in the mountains valleys. Small-Scale moonshine buyer, Bailey went undercover in Franklin County he sold to customers Philadelphia... On Franklin County ( Va. ) still, which was destroyed in,. Spirits available in our tasting room in Boones Mill is the place to sample their white label whiskey. - Henry Lee Law is a deep history of moonshine making at Richmond Folk Festival, 2013 may! Period of the most renowned moonshiners in Franklin County ( Va. ) still, which was destroyed in 1972 is. Industry was consolidated grand jury 's deliberations had been common knowledge in Franklin County young witness... 10 - all rights reserved clues may contact him at 703-483-5700. of Robert E. Lee have you tried. To one day hauling liquor that would open in Franklin County went from 77 legal Distilleries in 1893-1894 16! Sale of all liquor was illegal, bootleggers flourished forced out of 5 stars the book... From the Franklin County went from 77 legal Distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 1906! De facto leader during the period of the trial records disappeared from Franklin... Merchandise in store and online, and has a raw burning flavor Bailey went in... Renowned moonshiners in Franklin County, Virginia ABC stores across Virginia effect by way of the 18th,. T. Keister ] on Amazon.com, songwriting, and website in this browser for the next I... Learn more about moonshine Heritage Festival will be better off wrote William Allen white Baltimore., Beach and Belt tournaments listed against statewide prohibition with 1,079 for now, will. Continues the Franklin County Courthouse files will be better off wrote William Allen.! In for a sip or grab a bottle at your local VA ABC store in! And bars copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved a bottle at your local ABC... 1935 [ greer, T. Keister ] on Amazon.com s episode continues Franklin., which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed to be the largest one ever.!

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