Moonshining is deep-rooted in the history of Oregon, stretching back to the days before it became a state. In 1844, when it was still Oregon Territory, one of the first moonshiners, James Conner, challenged a lawman to a duel for busting his illegal operation. The McKenzie River Bandits had better luck hiding from the law and produced bootleg booze for nearly five years before their arrest. It wouldn’t be the last time they were caught. Over the years, outlaw moonshiners engaged in car chases, shootouts and even attempted an assassination to protect their hidden distilleries—and way of life. Join author Bruce Haney as he chronicles the intoxicating history of Oregon moonshine.
Bruce Haney has been referred to as the town historian for Boring, Oregon. He runs a history group called Boring Oregon History and is the author of Eccentric Tales of Boring, Oregon. Outside of local history, he likes to pass the time by finding something he is interested in and then learning everything he can about the subject. Sometimes it leads to a book like the one you are currently reading, or sometimes he just learns all there is to know about some obscure punk rock band.