Psychologists have long studied the appeal of the criminal underworld to certain personality types. For some, it is the thrill of running an illegal enterprise or the financial benefit of being able to move goods without legal supervision. For others, it is a chance to throw off the shackles of modernity and to return to a simpler, more lawless kind of life. Regardless of the motivations behind smuggling, one thing is certain: its importance during the period of Prohibition in Northern New York.
History of Prohibition in Northern New York
Prohibition began in Northern New York in January 1919, fifteen months ahead of the rest of the country. The prohibitionist movement had strong support in the rural areas of the region, which made the passage of the state’s prohibition law a foregone conclusion. However, the extreme poverty among the rural populations meant that enforcement was quite lax. Rampant smuggling of liquor was common and was used to fill the coffers of rural communities while also providing a sense of freedom from what many locals viewed as oppressive laws.
Types of Smugglers
The world of Prohibition-era smuggling in Northern New York was populated by a variety of individuals. Some, like rum-runners, operated primarily on the open sea, obtaining large quantities of liquor by foreign or illegal means and then distributing it. Others, known as bootleggers, operated more locally, transporting and hiding smaller amounts of liquor within the US borders. Finally, professional smugglers were those who dealt in luxury goods and fine items, such as diamonds and jewelry, that were beyond the scope of typical enforcement.
Effects of Smuggling
Smuggling had profound effects during the period of Prohibition. Locally, it created a thriving black market economy in which otherwise legal goods were traded for or bought with illegally obtained liquor. It also provided an injection of cash into rural economies, allowing local businesses to remain afloat. This, in turn, preserved the communities of Northern New York during the difficult days of Prohibition, providing food, shelter, and other necessary goods.
The Social Pattern of Smuggling
Analysis of Prohibition-era smuggling reveals a social pattern. Research conducted in the early 20th century shows that, in Northern New York, smuggling was more likely to occur in areas with lower average incomes. This suggests that those with fewer financial resources turned to smuggling in order to make ends meet. Smuggling also tended to be more prevalent in ethnically homogenous communities, as the criminals felt safer operating within their own circles.
Legal Solutions and Repercussions
The legal repercussions of Prohibition-era smuggling have varied greatly. Those convicted of smuggling could face serious prison sentences ranging from years in prison to even death in extreme cases. During the 1920s, smugglers were targeted by greater enforcement, as well as large-scale raids by the US Coast Guard, Customs Service, and Bureau of Prohibition. In terms of legal solutions, some states, such as New York, began to offer amnesty programs for certain types of smuggling.
The Legacy of Smuggling in Northern New York
Today, the legacy of smuggling in Northern New York remains. Illegal trafficking continues to be a problem in the region, mostly related to illicit drugs, contraband, and counterfeit items. The hardships of Prohibition were long-lasting, and the burden of keeping rural communities fed and sheltered during this perilous period is still felt today. That said, the social pattern of exploited communities taking advantage of the lack of proper enforcement to obtain necessary goods still resonates throughout Northern New York and the rest of the US.
