Maine's prohibition period lasted over 80 years, the longest of any experiments

Authors

Whit Richardson

Source

Down East

Date

11-1-2010

Pages

54-56, 78-79

Abstract

Maine's prohibition period lasted over 80 years, the longest of any experiments in the U.S. With details on the Portland Rum Riot and prohibitionist Neal Dow. In 1823, Portland had a population of about 9,000 and more than 200 places licensed to sell liquor. Drinking was accepted nearly everywhere, including during regular breaks at work. The Maine prohibition law was strengthened and weakened many times over the years in response to public opinion. When federal prohibition went into effect in 1920, Maine had officially been dry for nearly 70 years, though alcohol was still unofficially available.

Subjects

Prohibition, Rum

Recommended Citation

Richardson, Whit, "Maine's prohibition period lasted over 80 years, the longest of any experiments" (2010). Maine News Index - Down East Magazine. 3843.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_downeast/3843