History Happens Under the Tennesee Moon

In the roaring 1920s, Kingsport, Tennessee, wasn’t just another quiet Appalachian town—it was a clandestine empire of intrigue and indulgence, earning it the nickname “Little Chicago.” The wooded hills and winding rivers served as the perfect hideaway for moonshiners, crafting the finest, most potent liquor that rivaled anything found in the speakeasies of New York or Chicago. Bootleggers ruled the roads, racing through the backcountry in souped-up cars, evading authorities with a daring flair that made them local legends.

Rumor had it that Kingsport was a favored stop for none other than Al Capone, the infamous gangster who allegedly used the city’s covert distribution network to funnel his high-demand liquor across state lines. High-stakes deals were struck in shadowy corners, and money flowed as freely as the bootleg whiskey that fueled the lavish underground parties. Lawmen, tempted by the riches, often turned a blind eye, allowing the city to thrive as an illicit playground.

But it wasn’t just crime—it was enterprise. Kingsport was a city that embodied the thrill of risk and reward, where fortunes were made in the blink of an eye, and reputations were forged in the fires of ambition. It was a place where the Appalachian mystique met the allure of organized crime, a glittering paradox of danger and opportunity. Be it moonshine running, speakeasy gambling, or Great Gatsby-style parties, they had one thing in common: it happened under the Tennessee moon.

Yet, while the bootleggers raced through the hills, another sound filled the air—the unmistakable twang of Bluegrass music, born from the heart of Appalachia. The banjo’s rapid-fire picking, the fiddle’s mournful cry, and the steady rhythm of the upright bass became the soundtrack of the region, telling stories of hardship, triumph, and the untamed beauty of the mountains and often played on the porches of Appalachia under the Tennessee Moon.  Kingsport has long been a hub for this musical tradition, with legends like Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, and Tennessee Ernie Ford leaving their mark on the city’s history.

Eventually, the tides turned, Prohibition crumbled, and Kingsport traded its rebellious streak for industry and growth. But the echoes of its wild past still linger, whispering tales of whiskey trails, moonlit deals, and high-stakes escapes to those who know where to listen. So whether you come for the Cavaliers, the echoes of Bluegrass, or the whispers of Kingsport’s storied past, one thing is certain: history happens under the Tennessee moon.

This year, under the same Tennessee moon that once illuminated secret whiskey trails and late-night bluegrass music,  Kingsport will welcome the 2026 ACKCSC National Event—a grand celebration of Cavaliers, competition, and camaraderie. Come make history with us – in Tennessee!