This day in history: Prohibition enacted

January 17 is National Bootlegger’s Day. It marks the date when the U.S. Congress banned the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol with the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1920.

Ironically, January 17 is also the birthday of an infamous American mobster and bootlegger. Alphonse “Al” Capone was born in 1899.

According to the National Day Calendar website, the earliest use of the term “bootlegger” was during the 1880s in the Midwest when one would conceal flasks of liquor in their boot tops when going to trade with Native Americans.

Despite being made illegal in 1920, many Americans still had a thirst for liquor. Bootleggers helped fill the demand by smuggling various brews from Canada and Mexico, and later distilling their own liquor in backwoods and secluded areas. They brought their loot back to sell to speakeasies, individuals and other establishments.

Prohibition was repealed in 1933 when Congress ratified the 21st Amendment.