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From: <>
Subject: [KYHARLAN-L] Bloody Harlan
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 11:08:55 EDT


In a message dated 9/14/99 12:29:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

<< And people wonder why it was
called "Bloody" Harlan! >>

Hay to everyone,

I've heard a different story about why Harlan was called "Bloody Harlan."

During the days of prohibition, the mountain folks of Harlan produced a very
large quantity of moonshine liquor which would be sold not only in Harlan,
but large quantities were sold in the surrounding states as well. As the
story goes, the federal government sent in troops to "clean out" the stills
which were hidden in the mountainous area. The people who operated these
stills were people who had been born and raised in this area and knew the
mountains very well. The government troops were at a disadvantage because of
the terrain and many of them were shot and killed. It proved to be
disastrous for the troops and they were finally pulled out because so many
had been shot. This was where the name "Bloody Harlan" came into the picture.

Of course, this is a story that was passed down and I really have no idea if
it is accurate. I was wondering if anyone else had ever heard about this?

Kay H. in GA

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