How Did Johnson City, TN Get Labeled Little Chicago?

The Little Chicago of the South? Johnson City, Tennessee got that dubious moniker from its sketchy reputation for bootlegging and other vices. It has even been rumored to be a wing of the notorious mob boss Al Capone’s crime syndicate during the days of Prohibition. This video takes a closer look at that time in Johnson City’s history.

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[chloeholden]

I lived in Montrose Court for a year 2018-2019. I can say that almost everyone who lives/lived here knows the stories. The current owners have done a LOT of work on updating the building which was basically falling apart not long ago. One of the basements is sealed and assumed to be connected to the tunnels that lead downtown. The other basement door goes to a flooded superintendents suite and what used to be a restaurant/bar. You can see the windows and steps to the restaurant to the right of the main entrance.

[jessehensley]

The reputation has not changed here. It's overrun with bad intentions and poverty. We pray and work for change 😊💚

[Martlin]

I love the casual way you agreed to being a notorious mobster, Melody.

[thomasash]

Shane and Melody, I watch all your videos and have for quite a while but never made a comment because I watch you on my TV. Today I am on my computer. Love your Channel.

[BillBadMule]

I have lived here in Johnson City Tennessee since 1961 and love it here 🙂 I was a Party boy back in the day, nothing but good times and great memories 😁😆😅🤣😂

[robinhaupt]

Very cool post. You tell the stories so well. Thank you Shane and Melody!

[kaseyweir]

Keep up the good work guys!! Love learning the history of our area!

[hello]

Shane and Melody, you made my night! Appreciate you!!!

[malaquiasalfaro]

Sweet video and love the use of the old maps, helps you get a better image

[jeffmccall]

Breaking 945 bottles of brew is just plain alcohol abuse!

[kesmarn]

Perfect Thanksgiving weekend viewing! So well done! Great research, narration, filming and history! No wonder you're closing in on that 50K subscribers mark!

[judypierce]

Such awesome research! Johnson City was one of my favorite places to live. Very warm and welcoming people. Great work Shane and Melody. Thank you for taking me along with the ride.

[maxi-me]

Great presentation. I was born and raised in JC; heard all the Little Chicago stories told with the tone of astonishment masking a sort of misplaced pride. Moved away 30 years ago and still miss the place.

You could get a whole video out of John Seveir hotel, lot of facinating history. It's built over a creek and has had a pump running 24/7 for nearly 100 years to mitigate basement flooding. Also it made CNN Headline News in the 80s when tragically a fire broke out. Not to mention all the civic decisions made within the walls that shaped the development of JC and east TN in general

[bruinsfan]

Sorry just got home and saw this, Well Done! Yall gone Gansta !

[sorlais]

I’ve heard the building where Mulligan’s Gaming Pub is used to be a hide out for Al Capone

[Julzyboo]

I live here in JC and I come from a long line of several generations back in heritage from Johnson City. I have heard these and many other interesting stories of mobsters and Al Capone here. Thank you for this one!

[sandy]

That first place was a very interesting build 🤩

[thomastommy]

I truly hope you guys have a blessed fun Thanksgiving. "" Stay well & safe America ""

[ronc]

I spent some time in Tulon, France where there was a Petite Chicago near the navy base.

[exterminator]

Awesome video. Thank you guys for giving JC some love. Hope yall have more down the pipe. Eventually like to see yall in limestone at the david crokett camp grounds/birthplace etc.