This day in history: October 28

1919: Temperance and Prohibition

On October 28, 1919, Congress passed the Volstead Act providing for enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified nine months earlier. Known as the Prohibition Amendment, it prohibited the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors” in the United States.

We have only to look about us in this great city, to observe the traces of the deadly influence of intemperance. Everywhere, we face crime, disease and death, all testify to the necessity of the prosecution of the cause, of steadfast and unwavering effort and prompt action to lead to complete success.

[Address by Charles C. Burleigh]. In The Whole World’s Temperance Convention. [Metropolitan Hall, NYC, Sept. 1-2, 1853] New York: Fowler and Wells, 1853. p. 10. National American Woman Suffrage Association Collection. Rare Book & Special Collections Division

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General Herkimer Home State Historic Site
From this point, General Nicholas Herghheimer, known as General Herkimer, started August 3, 1777 to take command of the men who assembled in answer to his call to fight in defense of the Mohawk Valley. Placed by the German-American Alliance of the State of New York, June 14, 1912.
Historic New York: Site of the Battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777
The Military Road: Joseph Brant, familiar with the terrain, probably selected the place of ambush where a small stream crossed the military road. The military road of 1777 was about ten rods north of the present highway.
General Herkimer's Troops entered the ravine at this point.
General Herkimer's Troops entered the ravine at this point.
Small bridge crossing the stream on the military road.
Ambush started here: The militia column, on its way to the relief of Fort Stanwix, marched into this ravine, August, 6, 1777, and were ambushed by Loyalists and British. The Attackers came out of hiding in woods on the west, the south and the north.
Ambush started here: The militia column, on its way to the relief of Fort Stanwix, marched into this ravine, August, 6, 1777, and were ambushed by Loyalists and British. The Attackers came out of hiding in woods on the west, the south and the north.
The Rally: Both sides regrouped during a driving rain. Herkimer's troops concentrated here, forming an irregular circle. The attackers were on all sides.
"In the Valley homes was great mourning. For such a small population. In some families the male members were wiped out. It was many a long , weary year before the sorrow and suffering caused by the sacrifices at Oriskany had been forgotten in the Valley of the Mohawk." - Nelson Greene. History of the Mohawk Valley
"Near this spot stood the Beech Tree which during the Battle of Oriskany sheltered the wounded General Herkimer while he gave orders that made Saratoga possible and decided the fate of a Nation. Placed by the Oriskany Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution of Oriskany and the sons of Oriskany of New York City, June 14, 1912.
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