It all started with a tax. What came to be known as the Whiskey
Rebellion of 1794, or the Western Insurrection, took place over
a period of time beginning in 1791 by most accounts. While some
would say the roots go back much further, it was not until March
3, 1791 that Congress instituted an excise tax on distilled
liquors that set the rebellion of 1794 in motion. Read more
about it This Month in Business History Table of Contents Famous
Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. A large mob with tarred-
and-feathered tax collector riding on a rail. 1794. Prints &
Photographs Division Library of Congress Reproduction number:
LC-USZ62-75625