The Shocking True Story of Mine No. 5 – Al Capone’s Largest Still

By Tara L. Simmons

In the 1920s, the small coal town of Benld, Illinois, became an unlikely crossroads of Prohibition, organized crime, and local legend. From hidden stills to violent raids, from the Tarro Ballroom to the disappearance that shook the county, Benld’s story unfolds with the grit and color of true Midwestern noir.

Drawing on more than 12 years of research—including newspapers, court records, long-buried local accounts, and personal interviews with descendants of Benld residents from that era—Jim Marcacci and the late John Ubben bring to life a forgotten chapter of American history—one where the Roaring Twenties didn’t just echo… they thundered.

The legend of Al Capone being tied to Benld has been discussed for generations, but there was never documented proof—until now. Fans of history, true crime, and Route 66 have taken notice. Mafia, Murder and Mayhem on Route 66: Benld and the Booze Gang became a #1 bestseller on Amazon within 24 hours of its release.

Overview (via Amazon)

“They thought Prohibition would bring order. It brought an empire of blood and bootleg whiskey.

When federal law outlawed alcohol in 1920, Benld, Illinois, was already a powder keg. A rough mining town filled with Italian immigrants, labor strikes, and simmering violence, it had the perfect ingredients for something far more dangerous than moonshine. Positioned between Chicago and St. Louis, with rail connections and hard roads, this small Midwest town became the unlikely heart of one of the largest bootlegging operations in American history.

Industrial stills pumped out thousands of gallons daily as criminal networks infiltrated every business in town. Saloons became gambling dens, restaurants fronted prostitution rings, and even major corporations quietly supplied ingredients for illegal operations. But when Al Capone’s men arrived to coordinate activities and collect their share, the stakes turned deadly.

As federal agents struggled to contain the chaos, bodies began appearing throughout the county. Dominic Tarro and other key players who knew too much became liabilities to both gangsters and corporate conspirators. In a town where survival meant defying the law and prosperity flowed from criminal enterprise, loyalty was just another commodity to be bought or buried.

This true historical crime story reveals how one mining town became a criminal empire during America’s most lawless era.”

Review

I’m not usually a fan of non-fiction, but this is one I simply could not put down.

A large portion of the content includes actual newspaper articles from decades past, which adds an incredible level of authenticity and depth to the storytelling.

Jim Marcacci has already held multiple book signings throughout the area—each one drawing packed crowds—and more are planned.

Upcoming appearances include:

  • Sunday, May 3 (1–3 pm): Mother Jones Event in Mt. Olive
  • Monday, May 4 (6 pm): Olive Public Library
  • Saturday, May 9 (1–3 pm): Story Emporium, Hillsboro
  • Tuesday, May 12 (5–7 pm): Litchfield Library

Additional dates and locations will be announced. Follow Jim Marcacci on Facebook for updates.

About the Authors

Jim Marcacci taught business and television production at Gillespie High School for 34 years. A lifelong resident of Macoupin County, he has produced regional history videos, curated archival materials, and documented the stories that shaped the communities of Benld, Sawyerville, Eagerville, Mt. Clare, Wilsonville, and Gillespie. Jim is pictured left, in front of Dud’s Bar & Grill in Benld, where I met him for an interview and book signing.

John Ubben was a meticulous researcher and passionate local historian whose work preserved the stories of Benld’s early decades. His dedication to uncovering the truth behind the town’s most enduring legends forms the foundation for this book. John passed away in April of 2024 but would be pleased to see his work finally in print.