55 American History Photos And The Incredible True Stories Behind Them

For 13 years in the United States, from 1920 to 1933, Americans were barred from buying alcohol. However, Prohibition didn't stop Americans from drinking — in fact, it fed an industry of bootleggers and speakeasies across the country.

Here, New York City Deputy Police Commissioner John A. Leach watches agents pour illegal alcohol into the sewers, circa 1921.