Little Chicago –
Minot had a reputation as a rowdy and “wide open” town. When nationwide
prohibition went into effect, Minot became known as “Little Chicago”. It had
the reputation as being the most wide open city between Chicago
and Butte, Montana. It was believed that the police would raid speakeasies of
those who had supported the losing side in the election for city officials. In
1921, soon after W.M. Smart was elected president of the city commission by
defeating W.S. Shaw, (a six year incumbent), he was the subject of a recall
petition. It was alleged that he allowed gambling and the operation of “Blind
Pigs”. (Blind Pigs were illegal drinking establishments.)
Minot Memories is a blog that pertains to the city of Minot, ND. It is brief glimpses of people, places, things and events of Minot's past that will provide some insight into the history of Minot. This photo Main Street looking south from the railroad tracks about 1940
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