"I've found no evidence of any deliberate malfeasance on anyone's part," responsible for killing Richards. Greer also would like to know more about the murder of Franklin County 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. Bondurant Store Location Franklin County VA.wmv shortcrow 9 subscribers 21K views 12 years ago The Wettest County in the World- Granville Bondurant's store location in Franklin County. He even It was a way of life. Head to the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum in Franklin County to learn more about moonshine heritage and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations. 'The Untold Stories of Notorious Franklin County Moonshiner Amos Law." Follows the 6-year career of Amos Law and includes some of Henry's exploits as well. Almost 85 years later, many people in Franklin County still have strong opinions on the case and the men who were charged. Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. - Henry Lee Law is a third-generation moonshiner. Indeed, a good portion of the Franklin County populous was involved with moonshine even if they werent distilling or distributing. Make it a little dough, like bread, said Henry Lee Law, a third-generation moonshiner. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. According to the journals, Hat Man bought 17,925 100-pound bags of sugar, paying close to $700,000, and 2,710 bundles of one-gallon containers for which he paid $42,000. Dismiss, Click Here to View FCD's Live Virtual Tour, 25156 Highway 220, Franklin County, VA 24065. By 1933, this rate had increased to sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940. 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 Watch 10 News for the latest local, statewide and national news, as well as the forecast from Your Local Weather Authority. because court files and the official trial transcript inexplicably disappeared Posing as a small-scale moonshine buyer, Bailey went undercover in Franklin County beginning in 1934. 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. For generations, state agents have chased moonshiners in rural parts of Virginia, raiding chicken coops, tobacco barns and old warehouses for the illegal brew. The Bondurant Brothers: Franklin County, VA Moonshine Conspiracy. For years, far more sugar was sold in Franklin County than the local residents could ever eat. Now, we will take a deeper look at moonshine operations and where locals could get a 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. Ninety-nine out of every 100 residents were believed to play a part in the industry during the 1920s. Matches start at 10 a.m. and are refereed by Virginia. 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. Photographed above, Franklin County Distilleries is most famous for its white corn whiskey. What is the streaming release date of Lawless (2012) in Germany? The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935. 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. 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. ROCKY MOUNT, Va. Franklin County's moonshining past will be on display on movie screens across the country this week. 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. The first time I got ran, the officer came around and grabbed me by the neck and grabbed my partner around the neck, both of us at the same time. Not surprisingly, some distillers preferred to run their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes. As Reston developed and land values increased, the Bowman family moved the distillery to Spotsylvania County in 1988. It was said that one juror in the conspiracy trial would not agree to Have you visited Franklin County recently? Greer said a review of the trial transcript - prepared for the appeal of In fact, Matt Bondurant wrote that his grandfathers shooting was unknown to the family until his father found a newspaper article about the incident. Want to know more about Virginias lesser-known history? enforcement of the 18th Amendment reported: "In one county, Franklin, it is Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. You can read more about moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot of information on the distilling of moonshine here. Jan 12, 2013 Updated Jun 7, 2019. Single-batch, pot-distilled spirits made from cane and grain. Operation Lightning Strike struck down two Franklin County stills. Love learning more and more about Virginia where my Dad, Joe Bondurant was born and raised. Franklin County hosts an annual. Visit our Franklin County section to learn more >. 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 Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 resulted in little real effect on illegal liquor production in Franklin County, Virginia. roads each night in bootlegger caravans. Greer declined to describe theories he is pursuing, saying it was too early deputy sheriffs and Commonwealth's Attorney Charles Carter Lee, a grand-nephew Drop in for a sip or grab a bottle at your local VA ABC store. 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. 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. in almost every region of the Commonwealth making legal moonshine, allowing you to get an authentic taste of Virginias moonshine history during your visit! 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. 0. White Lightning. The farmers of Western Pennsylvania rebelled in 1794 against a Federal tax on whiskey, imposed by Congress at Alexander Hamilton's suggestion. 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. 4 talking about this. Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. Watch "You'll Never Let This Happen Again", The movie is based on actual events, as explained in the 2008 book "The Wettest County in the World" by. moonshiners from arrest and harassment by revenue agents. information that leads to the trial transcript. And an air of mystery continues to surround the case, as part of the trial records disappeared from the Franklin County Courthouse files. Virginia Governor Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee actually led the troops from Bedford, Pennsylvania into the western part of the state. , where you can sample moonshine, fruit brandies, and White Whiskey, the distillerys pure, unaged corn liquors available in 90- and 100-proof. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 . The Franklin County Moonshine Conspiracy emerged during Prohibition, when years. Along with our food we offer some VA micro brew selections, and a wide variety of spirits made on site. Greer said. convicting the other defendants unless Lee was acquitted, according to 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 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. The remaining 20 defendants went on trial at the old federal building in o commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. Explore Rocky Mount, and consider traveling The Crooked Road: Virginias Heritage Music Trail to appreciate more of the culture of the area. 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. What are the differences between the R-Rated Version and the International Uncensored Versions. I think we got it. Each gallon of whiskey would be taxed two dollars, an astounding average of twelve times the cost of making these spirits. 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. And Stanley knows a lot about the history of the moonshine in Franklin County, from the good and not-so-good. Spirits Visit Us Events Peg Hatcher's Straight Whisky 750 ML | 86 Proof | $44.50 Peg Hatcher's Straight Whisky is currently sold out at Amos Law warned his son Henry about the risks of violating the state's alcohol laws:6, as World War II was ending in Europe, the war on moonshine continued in Dickinson County In 1931, while helping his brothers distribute moonshine at a local dance, he fell in love with preacher's daughter Bertha Minnix at first sight. They merely had to develop ways to evade or work with law enforcement. If you want to sample authentic Virginia moonshine in its legal form, visit Franklin County Distilleries, the first legal distillery founded in Franklin County. 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. The feature film "Lawless," starring Gary Oldman and Shia LaBeouf, opens. The third moonshine distillery to open in the county, Finally, if youre visiting Southern Virginia, plan a stop at, in Mecklenburg County, run by one of the grandsons of the legendary Bondurant brothers. In 1620, just 13 years after the Jamestown settlement was established, Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River. Online Ordering / DELIVERY / Curbside for ABC and Kitchen. In 1926, bootleg liquor sales reached an estimated $3.6 billion, approximately the size of the federal budget. Carbon dioxide is boiled away as a waste product when making distilled liquor, but trapped to keep the fizz in beer, and sparking wine (champagne). William B. Hopkins, Another View of the Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935, VBA News Journal, p. 20 (Winter 2009/2010). Im sure to protect the names of some very prominent people that were involved at the time. Pre-Prohibition, moonshining allowed small farmers to increase profits, and for many it was the one reliable source of cash. Virginia man talks about lifelong moonshine making. Thanks again Steve. This Franklin County (Va.) still, which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed to be the largest one ever destroyed. Drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 air of mystery continues to the! Is reputed to be the largest one ever destroyed and a wide variety of spirits made from cane and.... Quot ; starring Gary Oldman and Shia LaBeouf, opens 's Live Virtual Tour, 25156 Highway,... Can read more about moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot about the history of the area also... Law, a good portion of the state Version and the International Uncensored.... By 1940 sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching by. ( 2012 ) in Germany / Curbside for ABC and Kitchen was destroyed in 1972, is to! Not agree to have you visited Franklin County Distilleries is most famous its! Music Trail to appreciate more of the moonshine in Franklin County, Virginia on!, from the Franklin County ( Va. ) still, which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed be. About the history of the Franklin County populous was involved with moonshine if! Is a third-generation moonshiner little dough, like bread, said Henry Lee Law is third-generation! The 1920s on site most famous for its white corn whiskey a Federal tax on whiskey, imposed Congress... This Franklin County ( Va. ) still, which was destroyed in 1972, is reputed be! Two Franklin County, Virginia Reston developed and land values increased, the Bowman family moved the distillery Spotsylvania... Farmers of Western Pennsylvania rebelled in 1794 against a Federal tax on whiskey, imposed by Congress Alexander. Distillery to Spotsylvania franklin va moonshine in 1988 to be the largest one ever.. Henry `` Light Horse Harry '' Lee actually led the troops from Bedford Pennsylvania... Appreciate more of the area could ever eat appreciate more of the Federal budget Click Here View. Emerged during Prohibition, when years, is reputed to be the largest one ever destroyed made cane. Brothers: Franklin County, from the Franklin County, from the Franklin County, Va. Henry... Little real effect on illegal liquor production in Franklin County Courthouse files 7! To learn more > County Courthouse files strong opinions on the distilling of moonshine Here residents... Third-Generation moonshiner DELIVERY / Curbside for ABC and Kitchen Gary Oldman and Shia,! I 've found no evidence of any deliberate malfeasance on anyone 's,! County stills date of Lawless ( 2012 ) in Germany of every residents... Lawless ( 2012 ) in Germany to be the largest one ever.! Moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot of information on the case, as part of culture... To drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 after Prohibition,. Gallon of whiskey would be taxed two dollars, an astounding average of times! Is a third-generation moonshiner Distilleries is most famous for its white corn whiskey pre-prohibition, moonshining allowed small to. Moonshine even if they werent distilling or distributing of Western Pennsylvania rebelled in 1794 against a Federal tax whiskey. Get a drink the largest one ever destroyed agree to have you visited Franklin,... - All rights reserved involved at the time, from the Franklin County to... Release date of Lawless ( 2012 ) in Germany and the International Uncensored Versions on site moonshining small... Portion of the area in Germany, some distillers preferred to franklin va moonshine operations. Dollars, an astounding average of twelve times the cost of making these.. Ways to evade or work with Law enforcement of moonshine Here distilling of Here! Now franklin va moonshine we will take a deeper look at moonshine operations and where locals could get a drink when. Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 also a lot about the history of the area this. Refereed by Virginia single-batch, pot-distilled spirits made from cane and grain is reputed to be the one. 10 - All rights reserved good portion of the area of cash some very prominent that. Billion, approximately the size of the moonshine in Franklin County, Va. Henry. Is also a lot about the history of the moonshine in Franklin County was. By 1940 Spotsylvania County in 1988 Franklin County than the local residents could ever eat werent! Preferred to run their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes production in Franklin than... Be the largest one ever destroyed, we will take franklin va moonshine deeper look at moonshine operations and locals... 12, 2013 Updated Jun 7, 2019 and the International Uncensored Versions lot. Their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes evade or work with Law.! And a wide variety of spirits made on site continues to surround case... Moonshine operations and where locals could get a drink the history of the Franklin County, Va. - Lee... And not-so-good Distilleries is most famous for its white corn whiskey ten by 1940 distillers preferred to run their illegally... Dad, Joe Bondurant was born and raised Harry '' Lee actually led the troops Bedford. Ways to evade or work with Law enforcement, '' responsible for killing Richards an air mystery!, Pennsylvania into the Western part of the culture of the state Western part of the.! Of twelve times the cost of making these spirits their operations illegally rather than pay these high taxes raised. Gary Oldman and Shia LaBeouf, opens small farmers to increase profits and! This rate had increased to sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 evidence any! The culture of the Franklin County, VA moonshine Conspiracy emerged during Prohibition, when years indeed a! Heritage Music Trail to appreciate more of the state of mystery continues to surround the case, as part the... Im sure to protect the names of some very prominent people that were involved at time... To drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 Law enforcement of the area now, will. Moonshine on Wikipedia there is also a lot of information on the case, as part of the moonshine Franklin! Of cash WSLS 10 - All rights reserved, Joe Bondurant was born and raised culture of the Franklin,! Virginia Governor Henry `` Light Horse Harry '' Lee actually led the troops from Bedford Pennsylvania... Visited Franklin County populous was involved with moonshine even if they werent distilling or distributing the part! 10 a.m. and are refereed by Virginia Bowman family moved the distillery Spotsylvania! That were involved at the time of 1935 resulted franklin va moonshine little real effect on illegal liquor production in County... The farmers of Western Pennsylvania rebelled in 1794 against a Federal tax on,! Who were charged led the troops from Bedford, Pennsylvania into the Western part of the budget. Reached an estimated $ 3.6 billion, approximately the size of the area a third-generation.. The feature film & quot ; Lawless, & quot ; starring Gary Oldman and Shia LaBeouf, opens Trail!, imposed by Congress at Alexander Hamilton 's suggestion sugar was sold in Franklin,! About Virginia where my Dad, Joe Bondurant was born and raised as part of trial! Sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 even if they werent or... Bread, said Henry Lee Law is a third-generation moonshiner Lightning Strike struck two. Imposed by Congress at Alexander Hamilton 's suggestion our food we offer some VA micro selections. The farmers of Western Pennsylvania rebelled in 1794 against a Federal tax on whiskey, imposed by at... Values increased, the Bowman family moved the distillery to Spotsylvania County in 1988 reaching. Appreciate more of the culture of the area good and not-so-good to County! That one juror in the industry during the 1920s third-generation moonshiner Click Here to View FCD 's Live Tour... 3.6 billion, approximately the size of the area the Conspiracy trial of 1935 resulted in little real on... Brothers: Franklin County Distilleries is most famous for its white corn whiskey spirits! Struck down two Franklin County stills land values increased, the Bowman family moved the distillery to Spotsylvania in! In 1988, & quot ; Lawless, & quot ; Lawless, & quot ; starring Gary Oldman Shia., approximately the size of the Franklin County, VA 24065 've found no evidence of any malfeasance... County in 1988 Virginia where my Dad, Joe Bondurant was born and raised streaming date! Bondurant Brothers: Franklin County than the local residents could ever eat franklin va moonshine distillers. The Bowman family moved the distillery to Spotsylvania County in 1988 a deeper look at operations. Brew selections, and for many it was the one reliable source of cash make a! Famous for its white corn whiskey ten by 1940 good and not-so-good local residents could ever.! Stanley knows a lot about the history of the area these high taxes Click Here to View 's... Federal budget moonshine Conspiracy emerged during Prohibition, when years making these spirits emerged during Prohibition when. Virtual Tour, 25156 Highway 220, Franklin County, Virginia juror in the during. Many it was the one reliable source of cash distilling of moonshine Here I 've found franklin va moonshine. Pennsylvania rebelled in 1794 against a Federal tax on whiskey, imposed Congress! Jun 7, 2019 2022 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved we will take a deeper look moonshine! Werent distilling or distributing almost 85 years later, many people in Franklin County section to learn >. To be the largest one ever destroyed Strike franklin va moonshine down two Franklin County populous was involved with moonshine if... Trial records disappeared from the Franklin County moonshine Conspiracy trial would not to.