How Booze Built America Season 1 Episode 2

Ep 2. Westward Ho!

  • TV-14
  • September 26, 2012
  • 43 min
  • 8.6  (7)

As America expanded westward, so did the demand for alcohol. In season 1 episode 2 of How Booze Built America, aptly titled "Westward Ho!," viewers journey back to the mid-1800s when whiskey was king and saloons lined the streets of every cow town. The episode explores how alcohol played a major role in the settling of the Wild West and how the industry evolved during this time.

The show follows host Mike Rowe as he travels to historic places like Deadwood, South Dakota and Virginia City, Nevada. There, he interviews historians and experts to uncover how booze influenced the economy, politics, and culture of the West. At first, Rowe explores how whiskey was transported along the Mississippi River and how cheaper corn-based whiskey quickly dominated the market. He also takes viewers to a Moonshine Festival in West Virginia, where he learns the history of moonshining and how it was a way for farmers to make a living during Prohibition.

The episode then delves into the impact of alcohol on Western civilization. Viewers will learn about the role saloons played in the community, as they were often a gathering place for everyone from cowboys to gamblers to politicians. Rowe interviews bar owners and historians to share stories of how these saloons became a center for all forms of entertainment, from music to theater. But booze also had a dark side. The show examines how the drinking culture led to violent brawls and even shootings. One particular case examined is the "Shootout at the OK Corral," where alcohol-fueled tensions between the Earp brothers and the Clanton-McLaury gang boiled over into a deadly confrontation.

The episode also takes a look at the rise of beer in the West. Rowe tours a modern-day brewery that traces its roots back to the days of the gold rush. He also visits the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, where viewers are taken through the entire beer-making process from start to finish. This part of the episode also explores how the advent of refrigeration allowed for beer to be transported long distances without spoiling, making it possible for breweries to expand and flourish.

Overall, "Westward Ho!" is a fascinating look at how alcohol played a major role in shaping the West. From whiskey to beer, the episode showcases how these beverages were a driving force behind the Wild West's economy and culture. Viewers are sure to learn something new about America's past, and may even come away with a newfound appreciation for the drinks we enjoy today.

Description
Watch How Booze Built America - Westward Ho! (s1 e2) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
How Booze Built America, Season 1 Episode 2, is available to watch and stream on Discovery Channel. You can also buy, rent How Booze Built America on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Discovery, FuboTV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    September 26, 2012
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    43 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (7)