From January 29th, 1920 to March 23rd, 1933, the Volstead Act, better known as the 18th Amendment, prohibited citizens from legally consuming alcoholic beverages in the 48 United States. The distillation and consumption of alcoholic beverages in surrounding countries such as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, however, was legal and booming. John "Jack" Gilbert saw an opportunity and, as he had done his entire life, jumped on board with all his passion and determination.