During Prohibition, Cocke County, Tennessee had the dubious distinction of being considered the ‘moonshine capital of the world’.  During this period of history, times were tough, money was tight, and many people turned to ‘shine as a way to provide for their families.  They stayed in it after they found how lucrative it was.

Driving skills and a fast car were needed for ‘bootleggers’ to outrun and outsmart the agents of the US Treasury Department, known as ‘Revenuers’. These agents were tasked with enforcing the laws as they related to illegal moonshine production and distribution, and were forerunners of today’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Some of the moonshine runners became known for their outstanding driving skills, and soon drivers were pitting their skills against each other during breaks from their bootlegging activities. A few of these talented drivers played starring roles in the formation of the iconic auto racing sport known as NASCAR.

Even though the old school ‘bootleggers’ and ‘revenuers’ have been relegated to the history books, moonshine is still playing an economic role in the region, this time legally. Numerous moonshine distilleries in the area offer tastings and tours to those curious about the beverage.

The owners of the cabin, Dan and Sam, have both had long careers in the law enforcement field (as well as the military, where they met). In addition, they owned and operated a regional-level NASCAR team for over a decade, with Dan at the wheel, and Sam as co-owner and assistant marketing/advertising (and a little pit crew – she’s good with tires!).

Given the history of the area, and our background in law enforcement and NASCAR, it was an easy step to have a little fun with it, naming the cabin ‘Revenuer’s Ridge’. The bedrooms did not ‘escape’ our slightly tongue-in-cheek treatment, and are designated: The Chief’s Office (master), “The Mounted Division’, and ‘The Detective Division’.