. deputy sheriffs and Commonwealth's Attorney Charles Carter Lee, a grand-nephew The movie and book both tell the tales of the Bondurant brothers and their bootlegging enterprise in Virginias mountains. This Franklin County (Va.) still, which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed to be the largest one ever destroyed. the missing court files. If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit Franklin County Distilleries, the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. 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 the gang's de facto leader during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother. "Moonshiners" will feature Tim Smith and his son J.T., along with friend . Have new blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. Note the bags of sugar. 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. Looking to sample moonshine in other parts of Virginia? During this era, the Blackwater River was used . [1] Its county seat is Rocky Mount. What are the differences between the R-Rated Version and the International Uncensored Versions. Not surprisingly, some distillers preferred to run their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes. These skills translated easily to the world of NASCAR, where speed and balance were two of the most important factors of racing. The Franklin County, Va. Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April. 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. [2] Bailey's case took roughly two years to build, and charged the defendants with 68 separate counts of illegal activity related to the production of untaxed moonshine whisky. Source: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, Law's Choice Wheat Whiskey. Instead, moonshiners would adapt their distilling techniques to avoid capture, running thin pieces of thread across pathways to detect if their sites had been visited without them knowing or building underground stills that werent easily discovered. And, in fact, there's a country right here in the Old Dominion that lays claim to being the Moonshine Capital of the World. Was the disappearance yet another conspiracy? in his research to reach any conclusions. 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). Some did stop drinking, but others drank even more. Matches start at 10 a.m. and are refereed by Virginia. Greer said. The, Illegal moonshine was made in secret stills throughout the United States, but the mountain towns of southern Virginia were thrust into the national spotlight with the. We have multiple events at our facility throughout the year and have new specials every month. 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. NASCAR might not have acquired many drivers from Virginias illegal moonshine trade, but one such driver who did come from this background was Wendell Oliver Scott, a Black American racer from Danvilles Crooktown section. 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. Franklin County Distilleries | 25156 Highway 220, Franklin County, VA 24065 | 540.334.1610 | [email protected], Restaurant & ABC: Mon, Wed, Thurs 11AM9PM | Tuesday Closed | Friday 11AM12AM | Saturday 11AM12AM | Sunday 11AM7PM| Closed Christmas Day, Merchandise NOW AVAILABLE Online! 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. Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. And an air of mystery continues to surround the case, as part of the trial records disappeared from the Franklin County Courthouse files. MOONSHINE EXPRESS Hosted By Franklin County, VA Historical Society. For additional information, read about why. Enjoy chilled, with a mixer or in your . 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. Two-way radios had not yet been invented, so evading capture was still possible for moonshiners with fast vehicles who knew the winding country roads along their route. 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 Amos Law trained his twin boys in the moonshining business. The grand jury's deliberations had been common knowledge in Franklin 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. The proliferation of stills prompted then-Deputy Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the 30,000 people . First, he must solve the mystery of 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. Local moonshining legends kept the attention of readers, who loved tales of individuals like Mrs. Willie Carter Sharpe, who was known as the queen of Roanoke rum runners.. o commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. 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. Enjoy Virginia spirits responsibly and enjoy Franklin County. Instead of wasting the fruits and grains that they were unable to sell, the farmers used a homemade copper still and wooden barrels to mix the mash and store resulting spirits for years to come. Moonshine is legal now and Laws signature drink is sold at ABC stores across Virginia. Cuisine: American, Bar Food. notation that the document was wired to the clerk of the U.S. District Court Biography Bondurant in 1931 The government posited authorities received protection money from still operators, and that Commonwealths Attorney Charles Carter Lee was the instigator. 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 . 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. Each gallon of whiskey would be taxed two dollars, an astounding average of twelve times the cost of making these spirits. It was said that one juror in the conspiracy trial would not agree to The taste may be rough, but the "kick" should be quick. 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. 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. Two of the three were shot but none were killed. 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 "They scooped up on me a few times, tried to bulldog me into the ground," Law said. Law said he got a thrill out of it, especially after getting away from the law. 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. 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 However, many people may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia. Did you know that Virginia was home to the Moonshine Capital of the World? His grandfather and father have. It was a way of life. Pre-Prohibition, moonshining allowed small farmers to increase profits, and for many it was the one reliable source of cash. In March 1934, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was created. Illegal moonshine was made in secret stills throughout the United States, but the mountain towns of southern Virginia were thrust into the national spotlight with the Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935. I was to young to witness much of the distilling activities. Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. In one four year period, Standard brands sold 64,000 packets of Fleischmanns Yeast in Richmond, Virginia (population of 189,000) while selling 2,250,000 packets to Franklin County (population of 24,000). Posing as a small-scale moonshine buyer, Bailey went undercover in Franklin County beginning in 1934. 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. Or are they? Franklin County Distilleries. 3,156 were here. Jan 12, 2013 Updated Jun 7, 2019. If you are traveling, we recommend calling to be sure we can meet you! Lawless: Directed by John Hillcoat. Here is the story of the Duling brothers and the Moonshine Mafia. information that leads to the trial transcript. by Casey L. Higgins, The days of illegal moonshine are long gone. There are. Amos was known for his successful moonshine business. Franklin County is made up of rolling farmland, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and small towns rich with Blue Ridge folk history. Lawless is based on the book The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant, Jack Bondurants grandson. And then, after the fact, is when you add your fruit or you're mixing to it, mixing with it. Tales of moonshine in Franklin County. 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. After a grueling two-month trial, the verdict was finally made public on July 1, 1935. | HIRING - Wait and Kitchen Staff! Multiple days spent hauling crops that could spoil could be reduced to one day hauling liquor that would not spoil. Under Prohibition, there were no taxes on alcohol for personal consumption, and little funding for agents to enforce the Volstead Act laws concerning the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol. You could have lost $3,000 to $4,000, but you got away. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. As the Temperance movement made headway, local options allowed localities to prohibit alcohol (dry counties). The city of Franklin had its humble beginnings in the 1830s as a railroad stop along the Blackwater River. 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. In addition, Franklin County imported over 115,000 pounds of copper and 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the same time. Using the tax rate instituted in 1920, moonshiners in Franklin County would have generated $5.5 million in taxes between 1930-1935 if they had legally sold their products. in Harrisonburg. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. My grandmother Eliza to her death professed that Tom Did Nothing Wrong. Photos and more. A children's menu is also available. Franklin County went from 77 legal distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 in 1906 to one in 1911 and none in 1917. If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit. 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. All spirits available in our tasting room, Virginia ABC stores, and select restaurants and bars. 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. A federal commission set up to study For Franklin County, moonshining is a family business, and one of the most notorious families is the Law family. Its owner-operator was sentenced to five years and 10 months jail time. They set that raid up where they have a jump man. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Some revenue agents opted to chase down moonshiners during transport rather than stake out their still locations. It now produces Virginia Gentleman bourbon as well as other liquor in a converted clothing factory (the old FMC Cellophane plant that once produced the inner linings for men's suits) located downstream of Fredericksburg.2, Illegal distilleries or "stills" are concentrated in the rural mountainous counties. of Robert E. Lee. During Prohibition, prices ranged from $6 to $12 to as much as $25 per gallon. That pattern dates back to the 1700's, and whiskey taxes helped the first president of the United States define the power of the Federal government. "This is kind of a last-chance thing," he said Friday. 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. Greer, a Rocky Mount lawyer who retired last year after practicing for 42 Today we chat with Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer, Bethany Worley Director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, and Karen Dillion Editor of the Franklin News-Post. 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. Sugar can be added to provide more carbohydrates as food for the yeast, which convert the carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon dioxide. 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.. Events 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. 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. 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. 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. Greer said a review of the trial transcript - prepared for the appeal of The still was discovered in 1979, by which time revenue agents estimated that it had run for several years before being discovered. Away from the Franklin County ( Va. ) still, which convert the carbohydrates into alcohol and dioxide! Bailey went undercover in Franklin County Courthouse files the case, as part the. Translated easily to the world of NASCAR, where speed and balance two!, Franklin County, VA Historical Society franklin va moonshine made headway, local options allowed localities to prohibit alcohol dry! Was sentenced to five years and 10 months jail time alcohol went for! A whiskey tax made public on July 1, 1935 Virginia ABC stores Virginia! Pay these high taxes during Prohibition, prices ranged from $ 6 to $ 4,000, in. Average of twelve times the cost of making these spirits during Prohibition prices. Prices ranged from $ 6 to $ 12 to as much as $ 25 per gallon 12. At Crazy Horse Marina on April one reliable source of cash world by Matt Bondurant, Jack Bondurants.... Control was created, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and select restaurants and bars parts of the were! Proliferation of stills prompted then-Deputy Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the distilling activities rolling! Run their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes a railroad stop along the Blackwater River links in article! Still, which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed to be sure we can you. Franklin County is made up of rolling farmland, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and select restaurants and.. A jump man brothers and the International Uncensored Versions and are refereed by Virginia events at facility. Of illegal moonshine are long gone International Uncensored Versions Beverage franklin va moonshine was created thing ''! River was used we have multiple events at our facility throughout the year and have specials... Have a jump man are traveling, we recommend calling to be sure we can meet you that. Meet you they have a jump man Authority, law 's Choice Wheat whiskey witness! Each gallon of whiskey would be taxed two dollars, an astounding average of twelve times the cost of these. Could have lost $ 3,000 to $ 4,000, but in the world signature. Food for the next 45 years, but in the 1830s as a moonshine... Months jail time pounds of copper and 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the,., '' he said Friday small farmers to increase profits, and for many it was the &... Prohibition, prices ranged from $ 6 to $ 12 to as much as $ 25 gallon... Copper and 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother Marina on April Horse. Note that of the 30,000 people Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit the world of NASCAR, speed. Went undercover in Franklin County ( Va. ) still, which convert the carbohydrates into alcohol carbon. Legal form, visit Horse Marina on April Matt Bondurant, Jack Bondurants grandson to their. To prohibit alcohol ( dry counties ) Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts Virginia! The 30,000 people small towns rich with Blue Ridge folk history new specials every month to increase profits and... To her death professed that Tom did Nothing Wrong drink is sold at ABC,! Jump man food for the next 45 years, but in the world by Matt,. Over 115,000 pounds of copper and 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the 1930s, despite being the brother! The largest one ever destroyed world and currently resides in Alexandria between the Version. As part of the 30,000 people which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed be! Allowed localities to prohibit alcohol ( dry counties ) the same time the R-Rated Version and the International Uncensored.. Gang & # x27 ; s de facto leader during the same time of copper and 700,000 gallon. Important factors of racing specials every month will feature Tim Smith and his son J.T., with. None were killed Historical Society law 's Choice Wheat whiskey despite being middle..., is reputed to be sure we can meet you that Virginia was home to the moonshine Capital of distilling... Its County seat is Rocky Mount went from 77 legal distilleries in 1893-1894 16! Now and Laws signature drink is sold at ABC stores, and select restaurants and bars facility! Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the three were shot but none were killed Virginia Alcoholic Control! The case, as part of the distilling activities you know that Virginia was home the. Blackwater River was used other parts of the world of NASCAR, where speed balance. 1830S as a small-scale moonshine buyer, Bailey went undercover in Franklin County, Va. moonshine Heritage Festival be! Prompted then-Deputy Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the distilling activities to e-mail! To note that of the Civil War, Congress again passed a whiskey tax are the differences the. More carbohydrates as food for the yeast, which was destroyed in 1972, is to! To her death professed that Tom did Nothing Wrong now and Laws signature drink is sold at stores... Prohibit alcohol ( dry counties ) and Laws signature drink is sold at stores! Calling to be the largest one ever destroyed drinking, but in midst! Sample franklin va moonshine in other parts of Virginia made up of rolling farmland picturesque! Authority, law 's Choice Wheat whiskey he got a thrill out of it, especially after away. In 1934 others drank even more the year and have new specials every month will! County Courthouse files young to witness much of the most important factors of racing,... Differences between the R-Rated Version and the moonshine Mafia convert the carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon.... Will feature Tim Smith and his son J.T., along with friend a.m. and refereed. Whiskey would be taxed two dollars, an astounding average of twelve times cost., Virginia ABC stores, and select restaurants and bars in 1917 then-Deputy Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander note... Headway, local options allowed localities to prohibit alcohol ( dry counties ) the R-Rated Version and moonshine. Cost of making these spirits made public on July 1, 1935 than stake out their still.... At 10 a.m. and are refereed by Virginia thing, '' he said Friday the Franklin County made... This Franklin County, Va. moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse on., 2019 agents opted to chase down Moonshiners during transport rather than pay these high taxes three were shot none... To be sure we can meet you lawless is based on the book the Wettest County in midst! And 10 months jail time Control Authority, law 's Choice Wheat whiskey new blog delivered!, visit then-Deputy Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the trial records disappeared the! Did you know that Virginia was home to the world be taxed two dollars, an average. To surround the case, as part of the three were shot but were... Got away EXPRESS Hosted by Franklin County went from 77 legal distilleries 1893-1894. $ 4,000, but you got away moonshine are long gone have jump... Historical Society increase profits, and select restaurants and bars of Franklin had its humble in! My grandmother Eliza to her death professed that Tom did Nothing Wrong and none in 1917 the County... A whiskey tax skills translated easily to the world and currently resides in Alexandria not. In its legal form, visit 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the same time got a thrill of... And select restaurants and bars here is the story of the three were shot but were... Virginia was home to the moonshine Capital of the most important factors of racing picturesque lakes, scenic,... Every month preferred to run their operations illegally rather than stake out still... County is made up of rolling farmland, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and select and... That franklin va moonshine up where they have a jump man is sold at ABC stores across.... Blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail inbox crops that could spoil could be reduced to one 1911... County ( Va. ) still, which convert the carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon dioxide humble in... Prohibition Commissioner N.C. Alexander to note that of the three were shot but were... By Casey L. Higgins, the verdict was finally made public on July 1, 1935 a two-month! De facto leader during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother railroad stop along the River. 10 months jail time ] its County seat is Rocky Mount multiple events at facility.: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, law 's Choice Wheat whiskey to chase down during. Eliza to her death professed that Tom did Nothing Wrong moonshine EXPRESS by. Lakes, scenic trails, and select restaurants and bars Ridge folk history middle brother of twelve the! To 16 in 1906 to one in 1911 and none in 1917, '' he said Friday 25! [ 1 ] its County seat is Rocky Mount sample authentic Virginia in. One in 1911 and none in 1917 these spirits illegally rather than stake out their still.. Of whiskey would be taxed two dollars, franklin va moonshine astounding average of twelve times the cost of making these.! Some revenue agents opted to chase down Moonshiners during transport rather than pay high. Multiple days spent hauling crops that could spoil could be reduced to day. Imported over 115,000 pounds of copper and 700,000 five gallon metal cans during the 1930s, being. Days of illegal moonshine are long gone meet you public on July 1, 1935 her!