Moonshiner's Cabin

Moonshiner's Cabin. . The Carter mansion, located approximately three quarters of a mile up Kirkwood Creek was built by Clarence "Dick" Carter ca. 1921. In terms of Hells Canyon architecture, this unique five bedroom log structure is a mansion in its own right. Replete with a lathe and plaster interior, fancy moldings and picture boards, the Carter Mansion is one of the most interesting historic structures in the region. Obviously an accomplished architect and carpenter, Dick Carter was also something of a chemist. At this remote site on Kirkwood Creek Dick Carter was able to concoct an illegal but highly sought after substance known as moonshine. Reputed to be some of the best shine to ever hit the canyon bottoms, Carter's product was known far and wide. , Eventually Dick's notoriety led down the road to trouble. Prohibition had been in effect since 1920 and the Treasury Department became interested in Dick's operation. Clarence "Dick" Carter was arrested for failure to pay tax on a keg of whiskey and was sent to the state penitentiary in Boise. Carter returned to Kirkwood Creek, but remained only briefly. He eventually moved to Asotin, Washington, where he remained for the rest of his days. , The Carter Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.