Every January 17th, we celebrate National Bootlegger’s Day, a nod to the daring and resourceful individuals who shaped the Prohibition era. While it’s a day often associated with smoky speakeasies and hidden moonshine stills, railways played a surprising and significant role in the bootlegging world.
The Railways: Bootleggers’ Secret Weapon
During the Prohibition era (1920–1933 in the U.S., and varying years in Canadian provinces), the railway network crisscrossing North America became a critical tool for transporting illicit alcohol. Bootleggers relied on trains for their speed, reach, and ability to blend into legitimate trade routes.
Cross-Border Smuggling
With Canada maintaining looser liquor laws than the U.S. at the time, Canadian distilleries thrived by legally producing alcohol for export. However, much of this “export” found its way south of the border. The railway network became a lifeline for moving large quantities of liquor to the U.S., hidden among legitimate cargo. Freight cars loaded with grain or timber often concealed barrels of whiskey or crates of beer destined for secret distribution hubs.
Creative Smuggling Tactics
Bootleggers demonstrated impressive ingenuity when using the railways. False compartments in boxcars, mislabeled shipments, and bribed railway workers ensured the contraband made it past inspections. In some cases, bootleggers even set up their own small rail lines to transport liquor from hidden distilleries to larger networks.
The Role of Railway Towns
Railway towns along the border, such as Windsor, Ontario, and St. Albans, Vermont, became hotspots for bootlegging activity. These towns were perfectly positioned for storing, repackaging, and redirecting alcohol shipments to avoid detection.
Railways and Law Enforcement
Just as railways were essential to bootleggers, they also became a focus for law enforcement. Customs officials and railway inspectors were on high alert, searching for suspicious shipments. Despite their efforts, the sheer scale of the railway network often gave bootleggers the upper hand.
A Lasting Legacy
The Prohibition era and the role of railways in bootlegging left a lasting imprint on both industries. For railways, it highlighted the duality of their influence: while they powered legitimate commerce, they also became unwitting participants in a shadow economy. Today, the stories of smuggled shipments and secret rail lines add a layer of intrigue to railway history, showcasing the complex role they played in shaping North America’s cultural and economic landscape.
CARS and the Modern Railways
While the days of bootleggers and Prohibition are long gone, the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers (CARS) celebrates the railway industry's enduring legacy. From transporting vital goods to fostering international trade, railways have evolved into a cornerstone of economic development.
As we reflect on National Bootlegger’s Day, let’s raise a glass (legally!) to the rich history of railways and their surprising role in one of the most colorful chapters of North American history.
Cheers to innovation, resilience, and the stories that continue to connect us!