Moonshine, an illicitly produced distilled spirit, holds historical significance in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The city’s unique geography and Prohibition-era legacy made it a hub for moonshine production and distribution.
During the Prohibition era, moonshine production flourished in the remote hills and valleys surrounding Chattanooga. Local moonshiners, known as “bootleggers,” defied federal law to meet the demand for alcohol. The city’s proximity to major transportation routes, including the Tennessee River and railroads, facilitated the distribution of moonshine throughout the region and beyond.