In January, 1904, a volcanic eruption on Sugarloaf Mountain was reported in The New York Times, which noted much smoke, deep rumbling, and destruction to the trees, leading locals to prepare an evacuation.

[1] However, The Bee, a local Earlington, Kentucky-based newspaper, later reported the smoke was the result of an illicit moonshining operation which was shut down weeks later.

There are five fissures on the side of the mountain from which smoke pours in considerable volume, accompanied by a deep rumbling noise.

""Deputy United States Marshal Castle, of Carter county, made a raid on moonshiners in the neighborhood of Sugar Loaf mountain, Rowan county, and arrested Presley Crow and John Hildebrand, charged with violating revenue laws.

This capture confirms the theory the smoke which comes from Sugar Loaf mountain, and which was thought to be a volcano, was really caused by moonshiners operating their plant."