Tennessee Enacts the First Prohibition Law in the United States (1838)
On January 26, 1838, the legislature of Tennessee enacted the very first prohibition law in the United States. The law made it a misdemeanor to sell alcohol in places like stores and taverns. Over time, other states followed Tennessee and also enacted prohibitions against alcohol, until U.S. Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1919 – more commonly known as the Prohibition Amendment.
The years from around 1919 to 1933 were known as the "prohibition years" because of the outlaw on the sale of alcohol. However, the prohibition years created a very strong movement in America against the Prohibition Amendment where "speakeasies," organized crime, and others made homemade whiskey, liquors, and alcohol. In fact, the United States government officials had a very difficult time in enforcing businesses and people from refraining from selling and making alcohol.
After a difficult struggle, Congress repealed the Prohibition Amendment, and legalized the sale and consumption of alcohol again by passing the 21st Amendment in 1933. In fact, the 21st Amendment remains the only constitutional amendment to repeal another amendment in its entirety!
To think that Tennessee started a lengthy battle against alcohol that lasted from January 26, 1838 up until the 21st Amendment passed in 1933 may seem somewhat ironic. That’s because Tennessee is now known for its whiskey production and is the home to the Jack Daniels Distillery – even though the Jack Daniels Distillery is located in a dry county, i.e. alcohol cannot be sold in that particular county!