Moonshine in Appalachia: Past To Present

Moonshine has always been a part of Appalachian culture, specifically in Southwest Virginia. However, the production and view of white lightning has been constantly changing throughout history. In Franklin County Virginia, moonshine began to be an economic force when Virginia became a dry State in 1914. By the time prohibition ended in 1933, moonshine was a large part of the 'economy' in Southwest Virginia. Leading to Franklin County being known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World", which is a fairly prestigious title in the world of 'shine. Moonshine has also been brought to the attention of the masses through the Discovery Channel's show Moonshiners and the hit movie Lawless.