Although King Noah was a vicious and debauched creature who cared nothing for that which was just and right, he built a very grand palace for himself in Lehi-Nephi. And, for his own comfort and conceit, ornamented it with gold and silver, and in the midst thereof he erected a throne made of fine wood. He also caused that the temple be embellished and that many fine buildings be erected in the Land of Shilom. He built watchtowers so high that all the surrounding country could be seen from their tops. Furthermore, he planted many vineyards and made presses. From the wine he made, he became a "wine-bibber,"14)
According to an Associated Press dispatch, dated New Haven, Conn., March 6, 1938, it has been found by recent investigation that some of the aborigines of America were fond of intoxicants. They made, it is claimed, many kinds of wine and beer from various plants. Intoxicants were used, it seems, in religious ceremonies, dances, and socials. They were also used as medicine and as an offering when rain was desired.2 and following his example, his people, also, became drunkards. All this he did from the riches he obtained by grinding down his tax-oppressed people.