Nebraska
Today in History – May 1: Nebraska prohibition law takes effect
(WOWT) – On this day in 1917, Nebraska law officially prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in the state.
Voters approved an amendment to the state’s constitution.
A picture from the Nebraska Historical Society is from that first day.
A Dakota County newspaper reported that bootlegging spiked after the law passed.
Raiding squads going after violators even targeted bathrooms.
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — which banned liquor nationwide — was ratified in 1919.
National prohibition was repealed with the 21st amendment in 1933.
—
MORE LOCAL HISTORY
—
On July 4, 2026, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. Every day leading up to it, First Alert 6 will take a look at the people and events that shaped our area.
—
Get a first alert to severe weather approaching your area. Download the First Alert 6 Weather app.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.