A typical night in McCarthy often includes a trip to the Potato or Golden Saloon. Whether you’re a local winding down after a day’s work, or a tourist soaking in the unique ambiance, enjoying a cold drink is a longstanding tradition in this historic town. However, beneath this warm atmosphere of relaxation lies a history of fierce defiance against prohibition laws that has shaped McCarthy’s spirit throughout the years.
In its early days, McCarthy relied heavily on Kennicott for business, drawing both tourists and miners eager for a drink and other diversions. Despite strict prohibition laws, unlicensed saloons and home-brewed moonshine thrived in McCarthy. In fact, special occasions often ended with inebriated Kennicott residents whisked home the next morning strapped to dog sleds!
Despite this illegal circulation, surprisingly few individuals were penalized by authorities. Federal enforcement from Cordova aimed to shut down the illicit trade, yet the town was not easily deterred. Train engineers on the Copper River and Northwestern Railway often signaled impending alcohol raids with a coded whistle, warning the town of agents onboard. Several close calls kept everyone on their toes, but failed to deter the town’s determination to have their alcohol.
One illustrious resident by the name of Slim Lancaster, known for his delicious pies and covert moonshine operation, ran a rest stop between McCarthy and Kennicott. Slim was brewing a batch one day when a marshal came through, sitting down to enjoy a warm slice of pie. The marshal was chatting with Slim, when he felt a–drip–onto his head. Drip, drip from the floor above. Slim was brought straight to jail. The miners caught wind of this arrest and quickly rallied to secure his release. They weren’t about to lose one of the best moonshiners in town, after all.
Four-Eyed Kid, a colorful character known for his distinctive spectacles, ran into a marshal with a bottle of whiskey in hand. The bottle was confiscated for evidence, while Four-Eyed Kid spent the night in jail. His friends managed to get their hands on the bottle, emptying the whiskey and filling it with water. During Four-Eyed Kid’s trial, his attorney theatrically attempted to ignite the liquid on fire. But, being water, it failed to burn. Embarrassed and frustrated, the marshal had no choice but to release him.
However, not everyone in town supported the bootlegging. The owner of the general merchandise store, R.L.H. Marshall, frequently complained to the authorities. Responding to his concerns, a secret plan was drawn up. Undercover agent J. Lindley Green, posing as a man looking for work on the railroad, swept in and apprehended McCarthy residents caught in the act. Despite these crackdowns, McCarthyans proved to be extremely resourceful in their ability to get their hands on liquor.
Nowadays, the booze flows free and fast in McCarthy for those who partake. Both the Golden Saloon and the Potato have excellent beer and wine menus for the tourist (or guide!) looking to kick back and relax after a long day of adventuring. We’re also well known throughout Alaska – 49th State Brewing Company makes an excellent stout named after McCarthy and its rich history. So the next time you’re sitting down for a brew, raise a toast to Slim, old Four-Eye, and the McCarthy spirit!
Sources:
Photo 1–Alaska’s Digital Archives: Bar in McCarthy 1953
Photo 2–National Park Service: McCarthy 1914 (Bleakley Collection)
Historic McCarthy: The Town that Copper Built by M.J. Kirchhoff
written by: Emma Wilkinson
updated 08/2024
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