moonshining Archives - Appalachian History

The vanished community of Lost Cove

Neither North Carolina nor Tennessee claimed jurisdiction over Lost Cove. The boundary line wasn’t clear when it was founded. Hence the name.

He hiked without care through the lawless back country of Mitchell County. His tweeds & mahogany cane telegraphed ‘revenuer’ to moonshiners.

Suppose that, one of these days when I’m out hunting, I should stumble upon a moonshine still in full operation–what would happen?

We’re hiding in the brush; the deputy & Giles are stretched out in front of the still sipping free whiskey, acting like they’re in hog heaven.

Did Chicago mobster Al Capone ever set foot in Johnson City? During the 20s the town was nicknamed Little Chicago. Crime ties to the north?