Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Tipsy Mules & Horses

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022

1. Tipsy Mules & Horses Marker

Inscription. As in most counties in this part of Georgia, there were a few local entrepreneurs who developed a thriving business producing a popular variety of white lightnin'. Customers came from miles around for a chance to purchase some of Gwinnett's finest Mountain Dew. Since the laws of Georgia and the U.S. government frowned on this industry, the Gwinnett County Sheriff spent a good portion of his time hunting down the moonshine factories. Sheriff E.S. Garner was determined to rid the area of the whiskey makers. He felt the need to convince the citizenry of the illegal nature of local corn liquor. After each successful raid of a county still, Sheriff Garner would hold a public event and make a show of pouring the whiskey down a manhole on Brandywine Circle. It is said that these distilled spirits would somehow end up in the water supply that was used for the mules and horses in the stables of Honest Alley. Many tell tales of how the animals would drink the spiked water and seem a bit intoxicated. Is it any wonder that stock purchased in Honest Alley was thought to be some of the best quality around?

Erected by City of Lawrenceville.

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(Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Food & Drink • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list.

Location. 33° 57.378′ N, 83° 59.233′ W. Marker is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. It is on East Crogan Street east of South Clayton Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 178 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville GA 30046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Metro Atlanta.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022

2. Tipsy Mules & Horses Marker

this marker: The Jule Oakes House (within shouting distance of this marker); Honest Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cotton Bag Wedding (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hubert Tucker Building (about 300 feet away); Birthplace of Bill Arp (about 400 feet away); Gwinnett County (about 400 feet away); Button Gwinnett (about 400 feet away); The Banished Bank (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lawrenceville.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.