Nebraska's Last Dry County

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McPherson County was Nebraska’s last “dry” county. No alcohol was sold legally from the county’s founding in 1890 until 2004.

Federal Prohibition began in 1920 with the 18th Amendment.
Supporters believed Prohibition would decrease crime and homelessness, while increasing moral virtue, but bootlegging, organized crime, and political corruption thrived nationwide during the “Roaring ’20s.” The 21st Amendment repealed Federal Prohibition in 1933.

The first beer sold in the county was auctioned for $700. The proceeds went to an educational scholarship.