Member-only story

From Whiskey to Water: The Extraordinary Journey of Sam Cowen

Doug Price

·18.5k Followers· Follow

Published in From Whiskey To Water Sam Cowen

5 min read

242 View Claps

14 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of American history, Sam Cowen stands as a paradoxical figure, a man who rose from the shadows of the illicit whiskey trade to become a revered advocate for water conservation. His journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, is a gripping tale of redemption and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Early Life and the Moonshine Business

Sam Cowen was born in 1857 into a poor family in the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky. In those days, moonshining was a way of life for many Appalachian communities, and young Sam quickly learned the art of distilling whiskey from his father. As he grew older, Cowen became known as one of the most skilled and notorious bootleggers in the region.

From Whiskey to Water

by Sam Cowen

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	606 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages

Sam Cowen, A Moonshiner, Standing In Front Of A Distillery From Whiskey To Water Sam Cowen

The life of a moonshiner was dangerous and often violent. Cowen himself was involved in several shootouts with federal revenue agents, and he was once forced to flee Kentucky after killing a man in self-defense. But despite the risks, Cowen prospered in the whiskey trade, amassing a small fortune and becoming a legend among his fellow moonshiners.

A Turning Point: The Great Flood of 1884

In 1884, a devastating flood ravaged the Ohio River Valley, including Cowen's hometown of Jackson, Kentucky. The flood destroyed homes, businesses, and crops, leaving thousands of people homeless and destitute. Cowen himself lost everything he owned, including his whiskey stills and his livelihood.

The Great Flood Of 1884, Which Destroyed Cowen's Hometown Of Jackson, Kentucky From Whiskey To Water Sam Cowen

The Great Flood proved to be a turning point in Cowen's life. Witnessing the devastation firsthand, he realized the importance of clean water for human survival. From that day forward, he vowed to dedicate his life to making sure that everyone had access to this precious resource.

From Bootlegger to Water Advocate

After the flood, Cowen moved to the booming city of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he hoped to start a new life. However, he soon realized that the desert was facing a severe water shortage. The city's population was growing rapidly, and the Colorado River, which was Las Vegas's main source of water, was beginning to run dry.

Sam Cowen, In His Later Years, Advocating For Water Conservation In Las Vegas, Nevada From Whiskey To Water Sam Cowen

Cowen knew that something had to be done, so he began to speak out about the importance of water conservation. He wrote letters to newspapers, gave speeches, and even organized rallies to raise awareness about the issue. At first, people laughed at him, calling him a "bootlegger trying to preach about water." But Cowen refused to be silenced.

The Hoover Dam and Cowen's Legacy

In the 1920s, the United States government began planning the construction of a massive dam on the Colorado River, which would later be known as the Hoover Dam. Cowen recognized the potential of the dam to provide water to millions of people in the southwestern United States, and he became a staunch advocate for its construction.

The Hoover Dam, Which Was Built In Part Thanks To Sam Cowen's Advocacy From Whiskey To Water Sam Cowen

Cowen used his influence and connections from his days as a bootlegger to lobby politicians and secure funding for the dam. He also helped to negotiate with Native American tribes who had water rights in the Colorado River Basin. Thanks in part to Cowen's efforts, the Hoover Dam was completed in 1936, and it remains one of the most iconic and important structures in the United States today.

A Life of Redemption and Service

Sam Cowen died in 1938, just two years after the completion of the Hoover Dam. He was 81 years old. By that time, he had come a long way from his days as a notorious bootlegger. He had transformed himself into a respected advocate for water conservation, and he had played a pivotal role in the development of one of the most important infrastructure projects in American history.

Sam Cowen's Grave In Las Vegas, Nevada From Whiskey To Water Sam Cowen

Cowen's life is a testament to the power of redemption and the indomitable human spirit. He overcame adversity, changed his ways, and used his influence for good. His legacy as a water conservationist continues to inspire people today, reminding us of the importance of this precious resource and the need to protect it for future generations.

From Whiskey to Water

by Sam Cowen

4.4 out of 5