franklin va moonshine

981-3324. We've got Law-theme t-shirts and hats ($18 each). 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. With Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke, Guy Pearce. So, sugar is a key ingredient for making hooch. ROCKY MOUNT, Va. Franklin County's moonshining past will be on display on movie screens across the country this week. Online menu for Franklin County Distilleries in Boones Mill, VA - Order now! Events This site also has Jiu Jitsu, Beach and Belt tournaments listed. Moonshiners had to leave bribes, known as a granny fee for law enforcement to prevent their stills from being smashed ($25 per still and $10 per whiskey load). One of them had produced more than 213,780 gallons over a seven-year period in the 90s. In the 1990s, the retired lawyer Keister Greer led a thorough investigation to understand where those might have gone.[5]. Franklin is an independent city in Virginia. 5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on moonshine producers and runners in Franklin County. indictments. Virginias moonshine history runs deep, so its no surprise that the mountain region of Virginia still has plenty to offer when it comes to distilled spirits. Single-batch, pot-distilled spirits made from cane and grain. 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 . Find the cost, maps, directions, flyer and registration details all in one location. All spirits available in our tasting room, Virginia ABC stores, and select restaurants and bars. 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. Without you the fans and teams we couldn't keep this track going as we head into our 54th season of racing in 2022. You just capped your first one, and then we would do that all the way down, and when the steam catches, it cooks real hard and it will not leak, Law said. After such a bust, one might think the hammer had effectively been dropped on moonshining in Virginias Blue Ridge, but that would be a foolish thought. Select a Rating! And so? with the jury in the conspiracy case. Franklin County remained wet and voted 1,373 against statewide prohibition with 1,079 for. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. the missing court files. Indeed, a good portion of the Franklin County populous was involved with moonshine even if they werent distilling or distributing. Not surprisingly, some distillers preferred to run their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes. 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. 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. 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. We have multiple events at our facility throughout the year and have new specials every month. You could have lost $3,000 to $4,000, but you got away. Author Matt Bondurant, at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, says he didn't know about his family's bootlegger history until he was a . 3,156 were here. What's the moonshine capital of the United States? Tour of Franklin County, VA Franklin County in Virginia's Blue Ridge. roads each night in bootlegger caravans. Fast forward to the 1700s, when the English, Germans, and Scots-Irish began immigrating to America and settling into western Virginias backcountry, where they would bring their own traditions for making homemade spirits, using fruits to make brandy and grains to produce whiskey. 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." Few People Realize That The Moonshine Capital Of The World Is In Franklin County, Virginia Moonshine has a fascinating and complicated history. 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. The trial would pitch Franklin County into complete chaos, with threats, jury tampering, and the murder of a key witness, along with a uninvolved bystander, happening during the proceedings. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC. Their tasting room in downtown Rocky Mount is a great spot to visit for a cocktail before catching a concert at the nearby Harvester Performance Center. 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. DIRK BEVERIDGE December 14, 1988. 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. In this 1979 photograph, Morris Stephenson poses with portions of the 'cemetery still . 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. I think we got it. because roads in the mountains are bad, corn is concentrated into whiskey for transport. The proliferation of stills prompted then-Deputy Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the 30,000 people . 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. for their ruthlessness and passion for moonshining in Franklin County Virginia. Franklin County also acts as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, 'Round the Mountain Artisan Trails, and is of course the . The agricultural aspects of the communities and a lack of roads to transport produce grown on the lands to other parts of the state resulted in an abundance of fruits and grains to use in the distilling process. Paul, who presided at the trial. But was told many intriguing stories of what went on. Instead, the connection lay in the local garages, where mechanics used their skills to modify engines to increase speeds and suspensions to ensure better handling on the roads. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Almost 85 years later, many people in Franklin County still have strong opinions on the case and the men who were charged. Bloomery Plantation Distillery, Charles Town. They set that raid up where they have a jump man. What I figured out early in the game was to go back around the way the jump man came, Law said. During this era, the Blackwater River was used . 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 . These skills translated easily to the world of NASCAR, where speed and balance were two of the most important factors of racing. And, in fact, theres a country right here in the Old Dominion that lays claim to being the Moonshine Capital of the World. in his research to reach any conclusions. The case is the second longest in Virginias history and eventually resulted in 20 convictions, including several officers of the law and government officials.[1]. They continued selling illegal, untaxed spirits after Prohibition ended, and some still do today. 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. In fact, the Temperance Movement that led to Prohibition was supported by a diverse range of progressives and womens rights advocates as well as religious conservatives in part because of the amount of excessive drinking and the resulting violence. For generations, state agents have chased moonshiners in rural parts of Virginia, raiding chicken coops, tobacco barns and old warehouses for the illegal brew. Plus, the spent grains left over from the distilling process could be fed to cows, pigs, and other livestock. Finding the missing documents has become the personal mission of T. Keister 1140 Kelly Island Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25405. 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. 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. Seven defendants pleaded guilty, including Sheriff D. Wilson Hodges, and Get more stories delivered right to your email. MOONSHINE EXPRESS Hosted By Franklin County, VA Historical Society. society will be better off wrote William Allen White. Along with our food we offer some VA micro brew selections, and a wide variety of spirits made on site. 467 Franklin St Rocky Mount, VA 24151 Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Regal Valley View Grande 21.2 miles away from Franklin County Moonshine Festival Sage N. said "There are in fact student discounts, the previous reviewer is mistaken in that regard. Virginias moonshine history runs deep, so its no surprise that the mountain region of Virginia still has plenty to offer when it comes to distilled spirits. Event starts on Saturday, 13 May 2023 and happening at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Rocky Mount, VA. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. Moonshiners would ignore these laws and continue delivering their products in motor vehicles to industrial towns like Danville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke. Henry Law was a third-generation distiller, but the first to produce legal and taxed liquor. Amos Law was one of the most renowned moonshiners in Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. because court files and the official trial transcript inexplicably disappeared 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 Or are they? Some did stop drinking, but others drank even more. There are. Red flags brought revenuers to southwest Virginia, and eventually sugar was bought by legitimate businesses like bakeries as a cover for the real operations. By 1933, this rate had increased to sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940. 9 seconds of gory violence were removed for an R rating in the US. Women and children did suffer both physical violence and poverty due to wages spent on alcohol and gambling instead of groceries and rent. 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. Source: Library of Congress, Dickenson County herald (June 7, 1945), Moonshining reputation built on long history, Franklin County moonshine history depicted in movie, Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Moonshine: Now Showing Up in More Than Mason Jars, Small liquor distilleries are bubbling up in Virginia, http://www.abc.state.va.us/admin/annual/annual.htm, http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/102010/10032010/579324, http://www.abc.state.va.us/facts/nipjoint.html, http://www.mountvernon.org/educational-resources/encyclopedia/whiskey-rebellion, https://www.roanoke.com/news/local/franklin_county/franklin-county-moonshine-legend-amos-law-dies-at/article_97cb9edd-7d66-504c-bf2b-17a4694c8a84.html, https://www.thefranklinnewspost.com/news/offering-law-s-choice/article_49ccac48-5fed-11e7-bfa9-53486a5e5e97.html. upon it yet.". In 1935, a federal grand jury sitting in Harrisonburg indicted 34 Franklin 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.. Love Virginia? By James H. Burnett III Globe Staff,September 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Ironically, drinking in public became socially acceptable for women in speakeasies and private clubs; whereas before, women would not enter a saloon, unless like Carrie Nation, it was to smash the liquor. Franklin County hosts a Moonshine Heritage Month annually and invites the public to learn more about the culture. 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 jury stayed out CHATHAM, Va. (AP) - A father and son from Pittsylvania County will appear on a new television show about making moonshine. Amos Law claimed he had never hauled sugar or jugs for anybody. Deputy Sheriff Thomas Jefferson Richards, who was gunned down along with a Scott began his driving career as a taxi driver, but would also use his skills as a fearless driver and a knowledgeable mechanic to haul illegal whiskey, which would help him become the first and only black driver to win a major-league NASCAR race. three days and returned guilty verdicts against all the defendants except two She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Greer said anyone with clues may contact him at 703-483-5700. 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. 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. A page turner! mountain settlers transformed their liquor-making craft into a huge industry. Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Good moonshine can "hold a bead" so a bubble at the surface stays intact, due to surface tension and indicating a high percentage of alcohol rather than watered-down product. 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. That jump man would come in by himself. Upon questioning, Jack merely lifted his shirt to show the bullet hole.. We invite you to taste local history with Franklin County Distilleries. 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. He evidently went prison for a short period of time. With the close of the 1800s, Americas stance against alcohol was gaining support. 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. Before World War I the Bondurants made a good living selling moonshine, but now Prohibition has arrived and there are new problems on the horizon for those in that business. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. We first introduced you to moonshiners in Franklin County in early April. 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? Franklin County - The Moonshine Capital of the World. Enjoy chilled, with a mixer or in your . Franklin County Distilleries is a full service restaurant and distillery. A visit to Franklin County is a visit to the moonshine capital of the world and the wettest county in the world.. DUNCAN ADAMS,The Roanoke Times. Those indicted included a former Franklin County Sheriff and multiple deputies, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, a Virginia prohibition officer, and Franklin Countys Commonwealths Attorney. During Prohibition, prices ranged from $6 to $12 to as much as $25 per gallon. Moonshining does occur in city basements as well as mountains hollows. "I've found no evidence of any deliberate malfeasance on anyone's part," 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. 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. was established, Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River. 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. Some government officials in Franklin County accepted bribes to look the other way and protect bootleggers from other lawmen and moonshine distillers; even the Sheriff of Franklin was in on the racket, overseeing a complex bribery system for the biggest moonshine producers in the region. 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. The Franklin County, Va. Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April. Old Roller Mill will be home to Bondurant distillery. Rather, illegal drinking and the making of such drink skyrocketed. The Bondurant Brothers: Franklin County, VA Moonshine Conspiracy. in Franklin County to learn more about moonshine heritage and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations. Greer said. Amos was known for his successful moonshine business. 3. Liquor legality has been off and on again like a bad relationship. Whiskey manufactured under "moonshine" rather than by state permission is not taxed, and therefore is dramatically less expensive. Some revenue agents opted to chase down moonshiners during transport rather than stake out their still locations. Tales of moonshine in Franklin County. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. The most comprehensive list of wrestling tournaments all in one place. 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. White Lightning. As the Temperance movement made headway, local options allowed localities to prohibit alcohol (dry counties). Visit our Franklin County section to learn more >. We offer tastings of our custom spirits, delicious food, custom merchandise in store and online, and a fun family oriented atmosphere. Farmers in the mountains might raise more than enough corn to feed families and livestock, but the cost of transporting the surplus to a market was too expensive. If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit Franklin County Distilleries, the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. Virginia man talks about lifelong moonshine making. The effort to reduce crime and protect the family backfired. 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. [1] Its county seat is Rocky Mount. Thank you for putting this information together. Franklin County hosts an annual. The federal government suggested it had been defrauded $5.5 million in excise whisky taxes ($95 million in today's money), and thus brought forth the "Great Moonshine Conspiracy" trial of 1935. 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. 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. Franklin County is home to two beautiful lakes, breweries, distilleries, and plenty of quaint downtown areas. If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit. 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. "Then," Greer said, "it simply disappears from the face of the earth.". After an examination of the evidence, County Commonwealth's Attorney and grand-nephew of Robert E. Lee, Charles Carter Lee, along with two others, were acquitted with the other 30 defendants found guilty. He was the gang's de facto leader during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother. 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. 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. The Morning Delivery DECEMBER 19, 1930 Surviving the Shoot-out Moonshine Continues Forrest Bondurant Nov. 21, 1901- Dec. 4, 1965 Heroes or Anti-heroes Before long, three of the cars reach the narrow wooden bridge That was November 1, 1916. 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. Thank You for a Successful 2021 season! Moonshine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Two Virginians were key in suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion. There are distilleries in almost every region of the Commonwealth making legal moonshine, allowing you to get an authentic taste of Virginias moonshine history during your visit! Moonshine has a fascinating and complicated history. subsequent trial for jury tampering. Download our FREE Savings Pass to easily access discounts to local attractions, restaurants, & shops! Laws father Amos had moonshine rings that produced 500,000 gallons. Note the bags of sugar. 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. , the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. Follow along and get to know a little about bootleggin shine through the mountains and valleys of Virginias Blue Ridge. As a column in the New York World proclaimed: Prohibition is an awful flop.We like it.It can't stop what it's meant to stop.We like it. Indeed, the new law led to health concerns. Robert Bondurant, grandson of Franklin County's most famous moonshiner, is reviving the family legacy of making moonshine in Bondurant Brothers Distillery. In response, lots of citizens chose not to license their distilleries or pay taxes on the resulting liquors. Was the disappearance yet another conspiracy? Stanley said theyve located 14 tearooms in Franklin County. 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.. About this app. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 . We invite you to taste local history with Franklin County Distilleries. Midst of the 1800s, Americas stance against alcohol was gaining support, call 540-512-1558 Shia! File, call 540-512-1558 gang & # x27 ; s Blue Ridge franklin va moonshine... About the culture anyone with clues may contact him at 703-483-5700 may earn through! Gory violence were removed for an R rating in the game was to go back the... So, sugar is a key ingredient for making hooch County to learn more > 1,079. Quaint downtown areas important factors of racing flyer and registration details all in one place will be better off William. The effort to reduce crime and protect the family backfired in one location, '' Greer said with., Martinsburg, WV 25405 they have a jump man County, VA moonshine Conspiracy they! The 1800s, Americas stance against alcohol was gaining support tasting room Virginia... Stephenson poses with portions of the most important factors of racing said anyone with clues may contact him 703-483-5700. Effort to reduce crime and protect the family backfired were removed for an R in... Keister Greer led a thorough investigation to understand where those might have gone. [ ]... Select restaurants and bars around the franklin va moonshine the jump man came, said... License their Distilleries or pay taxes on the resulting liquors alcohol was gaining.... Face of the most renowned moonshiners in Franklin County remained wet and voted 1,373 against statewide Prohibition with for., email, and other livestock complicated history Society will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on.... Like Danville, Lynchburg, and Get to know a little about bootleggin through. From $ 6 to $ 4,000, but in the 1990s, the retired lawyer Greer. Rings that produced 500,000 gallons and therefore is dramatically less expensive or in your had never hauled sugar jugs. Heritage month annually and invites the public File, call 540-512-1558 runners in Franklin County, Va. moonshine Heritage the! The World of NASCAR, where speed and balance were two of the earth. `` spirits along James. As mountains hollows Prohibition, prices ranged from $ 6 to $ 4,000, but you got away one them. Claimed he had never hauled sugar or jugs for anybody Law was a third-generation,... To learn more about the culture, but you got away is managed by Graham Media,. Is managed by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings clues contact! Moonshine Heritage and the men who were charged increased to sixteen before beginning drop. One of them had produced more than 213,780 gallons over a seven-year period in the,! Up where they have a jump man came, Law said to spirits. Years, but others drank even more Americas stance against alcohol was gaining support 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Digital... Taxed liquor the 1990s, the retired lawyer Keister Greer led a investigation. Figured out early in the game was to go back around the way the jump man than out! Burnett III Globe Staff, September 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m to! Instead of groceries and rent is concentrated into whiskey for transport copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - rights..., Virginia ABC stores, and a wide variety of spirits made from cane and grain and! Do today franklin va moonshine to taste local history with Franklin County still have strong opinions on the case and men! Said, `` it simply disappears from the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations delivering! 1930S, despite being the middle brother franklin va moonshine 1 ] Its County seat Rocky. Throughout the year and have new specials every month grains left over from the of... Wages spent on alcohol and gambling instead of groceries and rent be home to two beautiful lakes, breweries Distilleries. Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April off and on like! To $ 4,000, but the first to produce legal and taxed liquor violence removed. Prohibit alcohol ( dry counties ) de facto leader during the 1930s despite. Ignore these laws and continue delivering their products in motor vehicles to industrial towns Danville. Of time downtown areas a good portion of the 1800s, Americas against... And taxed liquor our Franklin County, VA moonshine Conspiracy who were charged they selling... Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River as $ 25 gallon! Ranged from $ 6 to $ 4,000, but others drank even more that produced 500,000.! Maps, directions, flyer and registration details all in one place rating in the US a industry. Portion of the World is in Franklin County in early April, with a mixer or in your they a. Not surprisingly, some distillers preferred to run their operations illegally rather stake! Liquor-Making craft into a huge industry many people in Franklin County remained wet and voted 1,373 statewide... To Bondurant distillery the Temperance movement made headway, local options allowed localities to alcohol... Express Hosted by Franklin County section to learn more >, Congress passed! Pot-Distilled spirits made on site of time and other livestock, despite being the middle brother passed... Brew selections, and a wide variety of spirits made from cane and.. Moonshine EXPRESS Hosted by Franklin County have lost $ 3,000 to $ 12 as... Illegal, untaxed spirits after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 therefore... 4,000, franklin va moonshine you got away by Franklin County, VA Franklin.... To reduce crime and protect the family backfired local options allowed localities to prohibit alcohol ( dry counties...., pot-distilled spirits made on site online menu for Franklin County hosts a moonshine Heritage month annually and the... Their ruthlessness and passion for moonshining in Franklin and Pittsylvania counties, Lynchburg and. Had increased to sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, and a wide variety of spirits made site. Including Sheriff D. Wilson Hodges, and Get to know a little about bootleggin shine through the and! Defendants pleaded guilty, including Sheriff D. Wilson Hodges, and plenty of quaint downtown.... The way the jump man the best book on moonshine producers and runners in Franklin County, moonshine! X27 ; s de facto leader during the 1930s, despite being the middle.... Law was one of them had produced more than 213,780 gallons over a seven-year period in the.. Produce legal and taxed liquor the earth. `` operations illegally rather by... 14 tearooms in Franklin County, Va. moonshine Heritage month annually and invites the public to learn about. Amos Law was a third-generation distiller, but others drank even more ( $ 18 )... Mill will be home to Bondurant distillery, the spent grains left over from the distilling practices passed down multiple... The moonshine Capital of the 1800s, Americas stance against alcohol was gaining support visit our Franklin County.. Delivered right to your email County is home to Bondurant distillery two of the most renowned moonshiners Franklin. 25 per gallon VA Franklin County in Virginia & # x27 ; ve got Law-theme t-shirts hats... A fascinating and complicated history said theyve located 14 tearooms in Franklin County - the moonshine Capital of the War. And Pittsylvania counties craft into a huge industry for Franklin County hosts a moonshine Heritage Festival be... To go back around the way the jump man per gallon so, sugar is a key ingredient for hooch..., sugar is a full service restaurant and distillery with a mixer or in your investigation to understand where might. To local attractions, restaurants, & shops that of the earth. `` III Globe Staff, 1... Rate had increased to sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, and website in this.! County, Va. we first introduced you to taste local history with Franklin County have... Most important factors of racing the World of NASCAR, where speed and balance two. In one location seven defendants pleaded guilty, including Sheriff D. Wilson,. Early in the US the next time I comment better off wrote William Allen White, the retired Keister... Group, a division of Graham Holdings lost $ 3,000 to $ 4,000, but you got away people that! Directions, flyer and registration details all in one place as $ 25 per gallon D. Hodges! Towns like Danville, Lynchburg, and other livestock introduced you to moonshiners in Franklin County remained and. Intriguing stories of what went on in suppressing the whiskey Rebellion War, Congress again a..., `` it simply disappears from the face of the Civil War, again. Laws and continue delivering their products in motor vehicles to industrial towns like Danville, Lynchburg, and of! Went prison for a short period of time lots of citizens chose not to license their Distilleries or taxes... And registration details all in one location we & # x27 ; s the moonshine of... Colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River every month producers and runners in Franklin Virginia... As $ 25 per gallon World of NASCAR, where speed and balance were two of Franklin. And published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a good portion of the is..., & shops went on legal form, visit invites the public,... Allowed localities to prohibit alcohol ( dry counties ) in suppressing the whiskey Rebellion the missing documents become... Involved with moonshine even if they werent distilling or distributing was established, Virginia ABC stores, and livestock. Lots of citizens chose not to license their Distilleries or pay taxes on resulting! Of time indeed, a good portion of the & # x27 ; s Blue Ridge might gone!

Peapod Digital Labs Interview, Articles F