Michigan First to Ratify 21st Amendment

First to Ratify, First to Celebrate

Prohibition was one of the most ambitious—and controversial—social experiments in American history. While it aimed to curb alcohol consumption and its perceived societal ills, it instead fueled crime, corruption, and an underground booze trade that made gangsters rich and law enforcement frustrated. Michigan played a unique role in both implementing and ending Prohibition, standing out as the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which repealed the national ban. Let’s dive into Michigan’s wild ride through its history with alcohol—both the dry years and the celebratory return of legal drinking.

Michigan: The First to Go Dry, The First to Say “Never Mind”

Michigan had a head start on Prohibition, enacting its first statewide ban way back in 1855. While many cities, like Kalamazoo, openly defied the law, it set the tone for future temperance efforts. Michigan officially went dry again in 1918—two years before national Prohibition took effect in 1920 under the 18th Amendment.

Of course, just because alcohol was illegal didn’t mean people stopped drinking. The Detroit River became a hotbed for bootlegging, with rumrunners smuggling booze across from Windsor, Canada. The notorious Purple Gang made a fortune running illegal liquor, and speakeasies flourished in Michigan’s cities.

How It Ended: Cheers to Michigan!

After over a decade of failed enforcement, organized crime, and a thirsty population, Prohibition was clearly on its way out. Michigan led the charge in its repeal.

April 10, 1933 – Michigan became the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, setting the stage for national repeal.
April 27, 1933 – Michigan legalized beer and wine up to 3.2% alcohol and created the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
December 5, 1933 – The 21st Amendment was fully ratified, ending Prohibition nationwide.

In celebration of the repeal, Governor William A. Comstock even signed a law allowing 18-to-20-year-olds to legally drink beer and wine (though hard liquor was still reserved for those 21 and up).

Michigan’s Legacy in Prohibition History

While Prohibition ultimately failed, its impact on Michigan was massive. The state saw an increase in crime, illegal speakeasies, and a thriving underground liquor trade. At the same time, Michigan’s early repeal efforts paved the way for the return of legal alcohol sales, government regulation, and, let’s be honest, a lot of happy residents.

So, next time you raise a glass in Michigan, take a moment to toast the state’s role in ending one of the country’s most notorious failed experiments. Cheers! 🍻

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.