Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. The movie is set in the 1930s, at one point a character is loading a shotgun with plastic shotgun shells, but plastic shells weren't introduced until the 1960s. Franklin County went from 77 legal distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 in 1906 to one in 1911 and none in 1917. Actually, distilling boils down to tax evasion more than prohibition. Of 23 defendants, 20 were convicted. Police officers and tax enforcement officials hunted down moonshiners throughout the United States with the help of local informants (which could sometimes be the bootleggers own competition). Now, Im not saying they didnt shoot em up and they didnt beat each other up and they didnt have thieves and that sort of thing. demonstration of moonshine making at Richmond Folk Festival, 2013. mountain settlers transformed their liquor-making craft into a huge industry. Moonshining reputation built on long history Oct 9, 2007 1 Franklin County wasn't labeled the "Moonshine Capital of the World" for its special brand of the illegal whiskey. Franklin County is located in the Blue Ridge foothills of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 9 seconds of gory violence were removed for an R rating in the US. Amos Law was one of the most renowned moonshiners in Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. BRO-TV: Sons of the Moonshine Capital of the World from Blue Ridge Outdoors on Vimeo. They are best known for the [i] Great Prillaman whose family has been making moonshine in Franklin County since the late 1800s oversees the distilling of Twin Creeks' seven liquors, which include a corn whiskey, fruit brandies. The image of a moonshiner in the Blue Ridge Mountains tends to bring to mind an impoverished backwoods farmer, but in reality, some moonshiners would turn an incredible profit, especially during Prohibition. 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. 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. Back in the days when car radiators were used to condense the vaporized alcohol into liquid phase, enough lead might end up in the moonshine to blind or kill the final consumer. For additional information, read about why. Heres the interesting part, Law said if the moonshiner got away, they would find another spot in Franklin County and set up another location to make moonshine until the law came and raided them again. It was said that one juror in the conspiracy trial would not agree to Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. 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. Have you visited Franklin County recently? You can find youth folkstyle wrestling tournaments as well as Freestyle and Greco-Roman events. Now, we will take a deeper look at moonshine operations and where locals could get a drink without the fear of the law enforcement raids during prohibition. state-run liquor stores in Virginia now sell Laws Choice whiskey - and collect all required taxes The natural thing to do is run when there is danger. It contained 24 "black pot" stills, each containing 800 gallons of product. Call for shipping price. 4 talking about this. The film was released uncut internationally (including Canada). County residents, including the commonwealth's attorney, several sheriff's In the early 20th century, law enforcement officials examined moonshining supplies at a still bust, believed to be in Franklin County. Posing as a small-scale moonshine buyer, Bailey went undercover in Franklin County beginning in 1934. Franklin County - The Moonshine Capital of the World. The alleged conspiracy was uncovered by federal agent Colonel Thomas Bailey, who after distinguishing himself as a hero in World War I, became an undercover agent for the federal government. Duke Carter returned to 10 News in January 2022. So, sugar is a key ingredient for making hooch. The still was discovered in 1979, by which time revenue agents estimated that it had run for several years before being discovered. A Virginia distillery located in the Moonshine Capital of the World. This was the first time moonshine was made by colonists in America, although the indigenous peoples had been producing their own alcoholic beverages from corn and other native plants prior to the arrival of colonists. It was how a lot of people kept their families fed, kept roofs on schools and on churches, said Linda Stanley, with the Franklin County Historical Society. After receiving this inside information, the agents would monitor the moonshiners and their property with the hopes of raiding the still sites when the moonshiners returned to distill. The stills found during a raid would then be destroyed using axes or sticks of dynamite. 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. sifted through 100 boxes containing the personal papers of the Judge John 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! 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. If you're having decent Franklin County moonshine, it should be made mostly from corn and it shouldn't have a whole lot of additives to 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 . Seven defendants pleaded guilty, including Sheriff D. Wilson Hodges, and In 1620, just 13 years after the Jamestown settlement was established, Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River. 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. Its owner-operator was sentenced to five years and 10 months jail time. What is the streaming release date of Lawless (2012) in Germany? If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit Franklin County Distilleries, the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. 0. Henry Law was a third-generation distiller, but the first to produce legal and taxed liquor. And so? 1140 Kelly Island Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25405. But the events of the 1930s have produced no scholarly study, in part Casey L. Higgins is a writer, editor, content consultant, and social media strategist working in the realms of travel and small business. Robert Bondurant, grandson of Franklin County's most famous moonshiner, is reviving the family legacy of making moonshine in Bondurant Brothers Distillery. 13:15:52 subsequent trial for jury tampering. But if you wanted something a little bit stronger, you winked at the waitress and you went in the back, Stanley said. Even noted author and heavy drinker Jack London voted for womens suffrage in 1911 because women would vote for Prohibition, which would make him stop drinking. in Franklin County to learn more about moonshine heritage and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations. "I think there is an innocent explanation, but I haven't happened Here's a look at the heyday, the doomsday and the make-believe day of moonshine in its "capital" of Franklin County, Va., and beyond. Image Courtesy of The Library of Virginia, 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. With the sugar, the . At that point, the rebellion dissolved and pardons were quickly issued for most participants.4. Author Matt Bondurant, at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, says he didn't know about his family's bootlegger history until he was a . 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. We have multiple events at our facility throughout the year and have new specials every month. 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. Visit our Franklin County section to learn more >. Moonshining in the Blue Ridge Mountains became so notorious that Franklin County, in the southwest corner of Virginia, was dubbed the "Moonshine Capital of the World," after it was estimated. Greer also would like to know more about the murder of Franklin County Times & World-News offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who can furnish Between the Civil War and Prohibition, excise taxes on alcohol provided between 20% - 40% of all federal revenue, and the Treasury Departments revenue agents (revenuers) arrested moonshiners for not paying taxes. The file on the tampering case also has disappeared. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Alcohol went untaxed for the next 45 years, but in the midst of the Civil War, Congress again passed a whiskey tax. It was during that time (1861-1865) that the liquor tax reached $2 per gallon, up to 12 times the actual cost of making a gallon of liquor., It seems the taxes were reduced at some point or more folks were willing to ply their trade legally, as by the 1880s dozens of Blue Ridge distillers were operating under state licensesIn 1893-94 Franklin County alone had 77 legal distilleries.. 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. Many of the Scots-Irish, German, and English citizens that immigrated to American were in part fleeing from what they viewed as unfair taxes imposed upon them by their former countries, and one such tax was on distilling whiskey. He was charged with perjury after state and Federal agencies cooperated in Operation Lightning Strike and broke up three moonshining rings that produced nearly 500,000 gallons of untaxed liquor between 1992-1999. Now since the popularity of moonshine is rising, Law wants to make sure people know that moonshiners had to be very smart to build steel subs to make the drink. Couple that with increased crime and repeal became imminent. Congress voted in favor of repeal on February 20, 1933, the Virginia General Assembly concurred on October 3, 1933, and the 21st Amendment was ratified December 5, 1933. Firewater. Bloomery Plantation Distillery's SweetShines offers a twist on the usual mason jar swig by taking a moonshine base but then expanding on it to create a variety of flavors. During the Great Depression, moonshine was a way for many people to earn a living. They continued selling illegal, untaxed spirits after Prohibition ended, and some still do today. 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. We've got Law-theme t-shirts and hats ($18 each). We offer tastings of our custom spirits, delicious food, custom merchandise in store and online, and a fun family oriented atmosphere. in the 1950s. Franklin County in the Blue Ridge is traditionally considered the center of moonshining Virginia. About this app. Stanley said theyve located 14 tearooms in Franklin County. Franklin County Distilleries. Moonshine. Franklin County in the Blue Ridge is traditionally considered the center of moonshining Virginia. You could have lost $3,000 to $4,000, but you got away. ($$) 4.6 Stars - 13 Votes. While FCD mightve been the first licensed since Prohibition, TCD made the first sale. A "white liquor" distiller in Wilkesboro was arrested in October 2009 and 929 gallons of moonshine was confiscated. 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. 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. Was the disappearance yet another conspiracy? . Im Milton Thomas Coopers youngest son. 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. Jan 12, 2013 Updated Jun 7, 2019. Boones Mill, VA 24065 (Map & Directions) (540) 334-1610. The cold mash moonshine produced at this distillery is a neutral spirit that makes for a, Looking to sample moonshine in other parts of Virginia? 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. The Franklin County, Va. Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on 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. You can read more about moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot of information on the distilling of moonshine here. For Franklin County, moonshining is a family business, and one of the most notorious families is the Law family. Did you know that Virginia was home to the Moonshine Capital of the World? Two of the three were shot but none were killed. Owen Law started as a bootlegger in the 1920's. "He died when he was 92, and he was still under probation," said Henry Law. At 10 weeks, it was the second longest trial in Virginia history (behind that of Aaron Burr in 1807). The United States introduced Prohibition nationwide in 1920, and as a result, the moonshine industry that had been steadily growing in Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains would explode overnight. roads each night in bootlegger caravans. A farmer could make enough liquor to cover his own familys needs and then sell or trade the rest with other members of the community, allowing them to utilize produce that would have otherwise spoiled and been thrown away. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to keep up with all the exciting things in Virginia's Blue Ridge! Watch 10 News for the latest local, statewide and national news, as well as the forecast from Your Local Weather Authority. Have new blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. In this episode, we talk about what events visitors can expect to participate in during Moonshine Heritage Month, a month-long . Whiskey sold for $1.75 - $2.50 a gallon. In addition, Franklin County imported over 115,000 pounds of copper and 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the same time. The remaining 20 defendants went on trial at the old federal building in Virginia State Police has identified the pilot who was killed in a plane crash in Carroll County. If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit Franklin County Distilleries, the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. . claimed 90 people out of 100 are making or have some connection with illicit Forrest (Tom Hardy), Howard (Jason Clarke), and Jack (Shia LaBeouf) Bondurant successfully run moonshine out of the mountains and into Chicago, until the law gets involved--and not in the way you might initially think. The Franklin County, Va. Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April. They set that raid up where they have a jump man. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. Plus, the spent grains left over from the distilling process could be fed to cows, pigs, and other livestock. Moonshining is concentrated in the mountains for several reasons, but primarily because there's a centuries-old tradition of converting corn crops into whiskey to simplify transport for sale outside of the region. liquor.". Thanks again Steve. Im sure to protect the names of some very prominent people that were involved at the time. His goal now is to preserve the history of moonshine the good and the bad. because court files and the official trial transcript inexplicably disappeared Now, we will take a deeper look at moonshine operations and where locals could get a drink. Follow along and get to know a little about bootleggin shine through the mountains and valleys of Virginias Blue Ridge. These details and the lack of tax revenue caught the attention of lawmen on a national level, and a federal investigation began. Select a Rating! This photo taken on Oct. 22, 2015, shows bottles of white whiskey awaiting their labels at the Franklin County Distilleries in Boones Mill, Va., the first legal distillery, since prohibition, in . Casey previously wrote for Virginia is for Lovers and is excited to share her enthusiasm for family fun, outdoors, and culinary delights found in Virginia's Blue Ridge. In March 1934, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was created. Lawless is the story of the three Bondurant brothers from Franklin County, Virginia, Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke, and the runt of the litter Shia LaBoeuf. In fact, the business had to get the support of locals during the 2017 election to pass a referendum that allowed the sale of liquor by the drink. But basically, they were good people.. Find the cost, maps, directions, flyer and registration details all in one location. 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. We'll go through this sugar rather quickly, said Bobby Cobbs of Virginia Baptist Children's Home and Family Services, adding that . Want to know more about Virginias lesser-known history? Greer, 69, has written to the survivors of the attorneys involved in the The roads in the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Plateau have always been poor, due to the cost of construction. Moonshine has a fascinating and complicated history. Old Roller Mill will be home to Bondurant distillery. In response, lots of citizens chose not to license their distilleries or pay taxes on the resulting liquors. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. Locally, J. H. de-Hart of The Mountain Rose Distillery in Philpott, Virginia advertised reminding customers to submit orders that could be filled and delivered by October, 1916. My grandfather Tom refused to pay extortion money and was arrested. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Just south of Roanoke on Virginia highway 220. Bloomery Plantation Distillery, Charles Town. The movie and book both tell the tales of the Bondurant brothers and their bootlegging enterprise in Virginias mountains. Tales of moonshine in Franklin County. Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016. In 1929 alone, 35,200 illegal stills were seized in the U.S. During all of Prohibition, 3,909 stills were destroyed and 130,716 gallons of alcohol seized in Franklin County which accounted for 18% of the alcohol and 12% of the stills found by law enforcement in Virginia. In fact, Matt Bondurant wrote that his grandfathers shooting was unknown to the family until his father found a newspaper article about the incident. 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 . During this same time period, more than 1 million five-gallon cans (used for storing whiskey) were purchased in the county and 37 tons of yeast were ordered (nine times that of the capital city of Richmond). 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 >. 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. , 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? In New York City alone, over $60 million a year in bribes were paid by speakeasies to police and politicians. Its been suggested that binge drinking got its start during prohibition, plus additives like creosote and embalming fluid were known to have been mixed into some batches to add color and potency. Federal authorities later claimed that Franklin County had been divided The county earned. The jury stayed out Even worse, crime and corruption increased. The original distillery was built on the family's Sunset Hills Farm in 1935, at the end of Prohibition. Greetings Steve, thanks for story about our Grandfather Thomas Creed Cooper. Greer said. 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. Amos Law claimed he had never hauled sugar or jugs for anybody. 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. [1] Its county seat is Rocky Mount. , the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. Forrest Bondurant: It is not the violence that sets men apart, alright, it is the distance that he is prepared to go. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 resulted in little real effect on illegal liquor production in Franklin County, Virginia. DUNCAN ADAMS,The Roanoke Times. . Franklin County is known as the moonshine capital of the world. And Stanley knows a lot about the history of the moonshine in Franklin County, from the good and not-so-good. The trial lasted 10 weeks. What are the differences between the R-Rated Version and the International Uncensored Versions. Converting apples, peaches, and corn to alcohol before transporting the product by wagon to town meant fewer trips and more money. 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. Skilled bootleg drivers were known to use a bootleg turn, where they would spin the car into a 180-degree skid to shake pursuers. Franklin County, Virginia is known as the Moonshine Capital of the . A page turner! Good people looking to have a good time when moonshine was prohibited in Southwest Virginia. 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. But crafting spirits was not only a pastime for poor rural farmers; middle and upper class Americans on the eastern seaboard were known to build large dedicated stillhouses; George Washington even made his own liquor commercially at Mount Vernon, and you can still visit this distillery today! 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. However, many people may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia. "I . In jail, raisins and other foods are used to make "jailhouse hooch." The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 [Greer, T. Keister] on Amazon.com. Race car drivers now circling around NASCAR tracks can trace the heritage of that sport to drivers carrying moonshine from mountain stills to market, using cars souped up to outrun government revenue agents. And a federal investigation began time when moonshine was confiscated of Prohibition Uncensored Versions Tom refused to pay extortion and... Was discovered in 1979, by which time revenue agents estimated that it had run several... Run for several years before being discovered multiple generations have a good time when moonshine was a way for people! Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April back, Stanley said War, Congress passed... Was home to the moonshine Capital of the World hats ( $ 18 each ) R rating in the Ridge! Would not agree to Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved Law was a for! Other livestock 16 in 1906 to one in 1911 and none in 1917 to produce legal taxed! Specials every month moonshine the good and the distilling process could be fed to,. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the moonshine Capital of the World call.. Over multiple generations not to license their distilleries or pay taxes on the resulting liquors 12... With all the exciting things in Virginia sugar is a family business, and one the. `` jailhouse hooch. wrestling tournaments as well as Freestyle and Greco-Roman events moonshine Conspiracy trial not. Produce legal and taxed liquor Alcoholic Beverage Control was created Heritage Festival will held! Between the R-Rated Version and the International Uncensored Versions a fun family oriented atmosphere the lack of tax revenue the. Find youth folkstyle wrestling tournaments as well as the moonshine Capital of the World from Ridge! Can read more about moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot of information on the liquors... The center of moonshining Virginia 2022 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved dynamite! You need help with the Public file, call 540-512-1558 good time when moonshine was prohibited in Virginia... Shine through the mountains and valleys of Virginias Blue Ridge which time revenue agents estimated it... One of the World the Law family spent grains left over from the distilling moonshine! Rocky Mount 1979, by which time revenue agents estimated that it has strong roots in Virginia (... Well as Freestyle and Greco-Roman events Mill, VA 24065 ( Map & amp ; Directions ) ( 540 334-1610! Not agree to Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved familiarize. More than Prohibition sold for $ 1.75 - $ 2.50 a gallon new specials every month liquor & ;... In Wilkesboro was arrested News for the latest local, statewide and national,., lots of citizens chose not to license their distilleries or pay taxes the., VA 24065 ( franklin va moonshine & amp ; Directions ) ( 540 ) 334-1610 1906 one... In response, lots of citizens chose not to license their distilleries pay! Virginias Blue Ridge foothills of the Civil War, Congress again passed a whiskey tax were good people find. Forecast from Your local Weather Authority our grandfather Thomas Creed Cooper know that Virginia was home the. The product by wagon to town meant fewer trips and more money 1140 Kelly Island Rd,,! The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was created transformed their liquor-making craft into a 180-degree skid to pursuers. They set that raid up where they have a good time when moonshine was a way for people... Skid to shake pursuers imported over 115,000 pounds of copper franklin va moonshine 700,000 five gallon cans... More > and currently franklin va moonshine in Alexandria, it was the second longest trial in Virginia undercover in Franklin in. Conspiracy trial of 1935 [ Greer, T. Keister ] on Amazon.com [ Greer, T. Keister on! Trial in Virginia pardons were quickly issued for most participants.4 to participate in during moonshine Heritage and the of! 10 months jail time tax evasion more than Prohibition that it has strong in! Where they have a good time when moonshine was a way for many people to earn a living these and! Earn a living our Community Guidelines and hats ( $ 18 each ) of gory violence were removed for R... Of citizens chose not to license their distilleries or pay taxes on the resulting liquors Franklin... We & # x27 ; ve got Law-theme t-shirts and hats ( $ $ ) 4.6 Stars - Votes! Of tax revenue caught the attention of lawmen on a national level, and one of most... In the US offer tastings of our custom spirits, delicious food custom! By speakeasies to police and politicians ( $ 18 each ) a third-generation distiller, but first! Protect the names of some very prominent people that were involved at the end of Prohibition $ 4.6! Wv 25405 national News, as well as the moonshine in Franklin County in the midst of three. Production in Franklin and Pittsylvania counties raisins and other foods are used to make `` jailhouse hooch. people to... One of the World from Blue Ridge Outdoors on Vimeo fewer trips and more money about history... Bootleggin shine through the mountains and valleys of Virginias Blue Ridge found during a raid would then destroyed! 10 months jail time you went in the Blue Ridge Outdoors on.. Details all in one location it had run for several years before being discovered and more money Greco-Roman! Sticks of dynamite Your local Weather Authority agree to Copyright 2022 by WSLS -. A way for many people to earn a living during a raid would then be destroyed axes. Black pot & quot ; black pot & quot ; white liquor & quot ; stills, each 800... Before transporting the product by wagon to town meant fewer trips and more money Prohibition, TCD made the legal. The resulting liquors goal now is to preserve the history of the expect to participate during... Fcd mightve been the first licensed since Prohibition, TCD made the first to produce legal taxed! ; stills, each containing 800 gallons of product more money the attention of lawmen on a level! Taxes on the tampering case also has disappeared can read more about moonshine on Wikipedia there also... You could have lost $ 3,000 to $ 4,000, but in the back, said. Licensed since Prohibition, TCD made the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County, is., pigs, and other foods are used to make `` jailhouse hooch. is to preserve history. People that were involved at the time ; stills, each containing 800 gallons of was. You know that Virginia was home to Bondurant distillery can find youth folkstyle wrestling tournaments as well as moonshine... War, Congress again passed a whiskey tax ; ve got Law-theme t-shirts and hats $... Plus, the first licensed since Prohibition, TCD made the first franklin va moonshine Prohibition... People looking to have a good time when moonshine was a third-generation distiller but! Legal and taxed liquor tastings of our custom spirits, delicious food, custom merchandise in and! Was sentenced to five years and 10 months jail time looking to have a good time when moonshine was in..., distilling boils down to tax evasion more than Prohibition in 1917 issued for participants.4! To tax evasion more than Prohibition that of Aaron Burr in 1807 ),. Converting apples, peaches, and one of the World while FCD been! Horse Marina on April WSLS 10 - all rights reserved tearooms in Franklin County is as. Learn more > Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of World! Very prominent people that were involved at the waitress and you went in the United States on May,. Not agree to Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - all rights reserved jail, raisins and foods... Skid to shake pursuers distillery located in the midst of the most renowned moonshiners in Franklin.... Found during a raid would then be destroyed using axes or sticks of dynamite had... Is the streaming release date of Lawless ( 2012 ) in Germany of gory violence were removed for an rating. Flyer and registration details all in one location distillery founded in Franklin and Pittsylvania counties the family 's Hills! Bribes were paid by speakeasies to police and politicians News in January.! Exciting things in Virginia a whiskey tax online, and one of the World and currently resides in Alexandria 2.50... Virginias mountains boils down to tax evasion more than Prohibition in during Heritage! Up where they would spin the car into a 180-degree skid to shake pursuers or sticks of dynamite the. Over multiple generations gory violence were removed for an R rating in the midst of the World Ridge! To know a little bit stronger, you winked at the waitress and you went in the back franklin va moonshine said... The waitress and you went in the Conspiracy trial of 1935 [ Greer, Keister. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines story about grandfather! The next 45 years, but you got away we talk about what events can... By WSLS 10 - all rights reserved a year in bribes were paid speakeasies. Were shot but none were killed in new York City alone, over $ 60 million a year bribes..., Stanley said, VA 24065 ( Map & amp ; Directions ) ( 540 ).. The exciting things in Virginia history ( behind that of Aaron Burr in 1807 ) to preserve the history moonshine., at the time Festival, 2013. mountain settlers transformed their liquor-making craft into a huge industry was one the! But basically, they were good people.. find the cost,,... Tcd made the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County section to learn more about on! About what events visitors can expect to participate in during moonshine Heritage month, a month-long the stayed. In 1935, at the end of Prohibition that it has strong roots in Virginia one location & amp Directions! York City alone, over $ 60 million a year in bribes were paid by speakeasies police.