History + Highballs: How NC Became the Moonshine Capital of the World 

Presenter: Daniel S. Pierce, PhD, Professor of History, University of North Carolina at Asheville
North Carolina has distinguished itself in a number of important areas and produced individuals who have developed international reputations due to their skill and excellence in various fields. But, one relatively unexplored area of skill-one where probably more of the state’s men, women, Whites, Blacks, and American Indians-that developed a national, and even international, reputation is in the manufacturing, marketing, and transportation of illegal alcohol! The best known form of illegal alcohol in this state is moonshine. During this evening, Pierce will explore why so many North Carolinians resorted to illegal distilling; look into the various manifestations of this business across the state; investigate the deep involvement of women and people of color; and evaluate the influence of moonshine on the state’s culture.
Pierce is the author of six books, including Tar Heel Lightnin’: How Secret Stills and Fast Cars Made North Carolina the Moonshine Capital of the World and Real NASCAR: White Lightning, Red Clay, and Big Bill France. He serves as Interdisciplinary Distinguished Professor of the Mountain South and resident professional hillbilly at UNC-Asheville where he teaches courses on the South, Appalachia, North Carolina, and national parks.
The shop has copies of both books mentioned above in stock. Call to order and arrange for postal delivery or curbside pickup-or walk in: the shop is now open to the public for walk-in shopping.