The Old Taylor Distillery was forced to close in 1920 due to Prohibition, leading to its property changing hands multiple times over the subsequent century and eventually falling into significant ruin.
The Impact of Prohibition
The sweeping legislation of Prohibition proved to be a pivotal turning point for the Old Taylor Distillery. In 1920, it was forced to cease operations, marking the end of its active distilling era under its original name. This federal ban on the production and sale of alcohol effectively shut down countless distilleries across the United States, and Old Taylor was no exception.
A Century of Decline and Change
Following its closure, the once-thriving distillery property entered a long period of instability and neglect. Over the next century, the site experienced numerous changes in ownership and occupants.
- 1920: The distillery's operations were definitively halted by the onset of Prohibition.
- Post-Prohibition Era: Unlike some distilleries that reopened after the repeal of Prohibition, the Old Taylor Distillery property remained dormant and began a long decline.
- Throughout the 20th Century: The sprawling grounds and intricate buildings passed through various owners, often sitting vacant or being repurposed for uses unrelated to whiskey production.
- Eventual State: This protracted period of disuse and neglect, combined with the lack of proper maintenance, ultimately resulted in the entire property falling into a state of ruin, with many structures decaying significantly.
For more details on the property's rich history and its eventual transformation, you can explore resources like the history section of Castle & Key.
