Summer in Beautiful Glen Rose and the Great Moonshine Raid

Nestled along the banks of the Paluxy and Brazos rivers, sits the picturesque town of Glen Rose, Texas. Over the past 150 years, the winding rivers of Somervell County have attracted people to the area. In the early days, thanks to the limestone riverbed of the Paluxy River and the concentrated cedars, Glen Rose provided the perfect setting to make moonshine. At one point, it is said that local property was valued at how much ‘shine could be produced on it. The illegal liquor business boosted the local economy during tough times and put Glen Rose on the map. Everyone was talking about the whiskey you could get down in the woods of Somervell County. Just a short jaunt from Dallas, old-timers claim that famous gangsters would frequent Glen Rose for its moonshine. However, the tide began to change when Texas Governor, Pat Neff, made it his mission to shut down the booming moonshine industry in Texas. As a result, on August 25th, 1923, the Texas Rangers were sent to Somervell County to confiscate the moonshine and make arrests under the order of the Governor. During the raid, moonshine operations were shut down and offenders arrested. The small town once referred to as the “Moonshine Capitol of Texas” had met its match.

August 2023 marks the Centennial Anniversary year of the Great Glen Rose Moonshine Raid. To commemorate this historical event, Glen Rose will be hosting the inaugural “Good Old Boys Moonshine Festival” starting at 4 p.m. Friday, August 25th through 3 p.m. Sunday, August 27th. During the weekend event, the Dallas Model A Ford Club will be on the grounds of Barnard’s Mill dressed in period attire with their restored and preserved cars on display. There will also be a celebratory carnival on the historic Courthouse Square. Paluxy Heritage Park will host food and craft vendors along the River Walk. Nestled under the trees of the park will be a BBQ Cookoff and a Whiskey Walk event. Live re-enactments of the raid shoot-out will take place twice daily on the Courthouse Square, where moonshine stills and over 600lbs. of sugar will be on display, as it was on that day in 1923. For those that like to run, or just like whiskey, the Rotgut Race might be the way to kick-off the weekend in Glen Rose. Participants will run down Barnard Street to Ed Young’s Outlaw Station, where locals and gangsters would go to get their ‘shine. Sign up for the “Bootlegger” race heat to try and outrun the law, but don’t get distracted by the moonshine tastings for participants along the way! For golf enthusiasts, Squaw Valley will also be hosting the “Moonshine Master’s” a 4-person scramble. All summer long, visitors and locals alike will be able to join in on the moonshine mania, as Barnard’s Mill will be hosting a History & Hooch exhibit highlighting Glen Rose’s moonshine history. Free entry into the museum will be available on the weekends. In addition, private weekday tours can also be arranged.

The town of Glen Rose makes a great weekend getaway. On any given day, visitors enjoy the attractions, shopping, and rivers, one of which runs right through the town. Fishing is also a popular activity, as the Paluxy River is stocked with trout during the cool weather months. Water levels on the Paluxy can rise from 6” to whitewater status with one good rain, making it a popular spot with kayakers during heavy rain periods. During times of little to no rainfall, families can be seen walking along the dry limestone riverbeds looking for fossilized tracks or navigating Big Rocks Park with its huge round rock formations. Visitors love the Paluxy River whether it is dry, shallow, or deep. This year, Glen Rose will also host the inaugural Paluxy River Fest, a 2-day event on June 2nd – 3rd, which will feature 20 country music acts along the Paluxy River! A Catfish Cookoff will take place under the large oak trees near the river. If you like cornbread and country music, mosey your way down to Glen Rose for a weekend, you won’t forget! This event is FREE to the public, so don’t forget to bring your river tubes or lawn chairs!