Hatfield and McCoy Feud Sites Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce (304) 235-5240 or
Matewan Depot (304) 426-4239.
The Hatfield-McCoy Feud is the most famous feud in American history. It occurred in Mingo County, WV and adjacent Pike County, KY. Dozens of books and movies have been made about this world famous conflict. The sites of many key events are accessible for visitors and there are brochures, maps, an audio driving tour and locally produced films available to enhance the visitor’s experience. Live narrated tours are also available for groups of 10 or more.
2.
Hatfield McCoy Trails (800) 592-2217
Come ride the largest and best network of ATV trails east of the Mississippi. If you like ATV’s, dirt bikes or motor sports then you don’t want to miss this. Bring your own vehicle or rent one from several local outfitters. This is fun for the whole family with trails for beginners, experienced riders and the truly hard core. Guided tours are also available and the scenery is breathtaking. For more information about the location of trailheads, lodging and outfitters etc. go to the Hatfield McCoy Trails website at http://www.trailsheaven.com.
3.
Site of theMatewan Massacre (304) 426-4239
The Matewan Massacre is an event that sparked the largest armed uprising in America since the Civil War. It was a time when large coal companies used bribes, intimidation and hired gunmen to control the lives of every person in southern West Virginia. In the town of Matewan, WV a group of men, led by town constable Sid Hatfield, stood up to the coal company enforcers, the Baldwin Felts Guards. This confrontation ended in a shootout that claimed the lives of nine people and made Sid Hatfield a living legend all across America. This event eventually led to the Battle of Blair Mountain where 10,000 armed miners faced off against the forces of the US military.
4.
Historic Matewan (304) 426-4239
An old coal town that was the site of the Matewan Massacre and was a central location in the Hatfield McCoy Feud. It also has a trail head for the Hatfield McCoy ATV Trails. The town features the Matewan Depot Museum, the burial site of Sid Hatfield and many other points of interest. A great place for anyone interested in history, coal or railroads. A must see that ison the National Register of Historic Places.
Sid Hatfield was the central figure in the Matewan Massacre. In an era when large coal companies ruled every aspect of life in southern West Virginia, Sid Hatfield rebelled against the authority of the coal companies hired enforcers – the Baldwin Felts Guards. Sid Hatfield’s death incited the largest armed uprising in America since the Civil War. He is buried on Radio Hill near the town of Matewan along with several other key participants in the Matewan Massacre.
6.
Matewan Train Depot (304) 426-4239
The Matewan Depot contains a museum, film screening room and lots of artifacts, pictures and information about the Hatfield McCoy Feud, Matewan Massacre, Battle of Blair Mountain, coal mining and railroad history. Among many other great treats, the Depot has the actual gun and badge of Al Felts – who was killed while leading the Baldwin Felts Guards during the Matewan Massacre.
7.
R.D. Bailey Lake WMA P.O. Drawer 70, Justice WV 24851-0070
(304) 664-3229 or (304) 664-9587
(17,280 acres) Located 15 miles west of Pineville on state Route 97. R.D. Bailey Lake covers 630 acres and provides excellent warm water fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, hybrid striped bass, crappie, catfish, carp, walleye and tiger musky. Trout are stocked in the tailwater. A Corps of Engineers-operated 169-site camping area along the Guyandotte River is open from May 1 to November 1. A public boat launching site is located at the head of the lake. The lake is surrounded by mostly oak-hickory forest and rugged terrain. A large expanse of forest provides good hunting opportunities for deer (archery only), squirrel, ruffed grouse, turkey, raccoon and black bear. A 200-yard rifle range is located on the site. Fox, bobcat, skunk, opossum, mink and muskrat can be trapped in the area. Owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. R.D. Bailey Lake and Dam – (304) 664-3220. Counties: Mingo, Wyoming
8.
Laurel Lake WMA (304) 235-4240
(12,854 acres) Located northeast of Lenore off state Route 65. Laurel Lake is 29 acres and provides fishing for channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. Catchable-sized trout are stocked monthly from February through May. This rugged area features steep slopes with narrow ridges and valleys covered with mixed hardwood forest, numerous hemlocks and a thick understory. Hunting opportunities exist for deer, bear, turkey, raccoon, grouse and squirrel. No camping is allowed. Owned by the Forest Land Group and the WVDNR. Managed by WVDNR. Laurel Lake– picnic, swimming pool under construction and bathhouses.
9.
Dingess Tunnel
This 100 year old, former train tunnel was converted into a highway tunnel in the 1960’s and still serves the public today. The Dingess Tunnel is just under a mile long and is rumored to be haunted by the victims of train accidents from its past. Driving through the tunnel is an adventure in itself. The tunnel road is only one lane wide so those driving through the tunnel must drive slowly, flash their lights and blow their horn to warn travelers at the other end not to enter. It’s like going on a fun house ride without ever getting out of your car. Don’t worry though. There have been very few accidents at the tunnel and its lots of fun.
Dingess Petroglyphs – Five panels of ancient writings that were originally part of a rock outcropping that sheltered humans. The Dingess Petroglyphs were removed from their original location due to impending strip mining of their original site. They presently reside in nearby Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Tug Valley Country Club Williamson, WV
(304) 235-2106
One of the few golf courses in the US where you tee off in one state and putt in another. An 18 hole public course that straddles the Tug River and has holes in both West Virginia and Kentucky.
An unusual course located high atop a mountain. The course was built on the site of a former strip mine but you’ll never know it. This 18 hole course is in a beautiful setting with breathtaking scenery and great play. Many of this course’s most avid fans travel over two hours every weekend to play it.
13.
The Coal House 2nd Ave. and Court St.
Williamson, WV 25661
(304) 235-5240
One of only two building in the world made entirely of coal. The structure was built from 65 tons of coal in 1933 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This landmark also serves as the region’s tourist information center and stocks lots of regional souvenirs and mementos.
Features great live music every Saturday night all year round. If you like country, bluegrass or gospel music you should visit the Delbarton Opry. Free and open to the public. Bring your band or your instrument and play along – dancing too.
15.
Larry Joe Harless Community Center PO Box 1987
Gilbert WV 25621
(304) 664-294
Features a movie theatre, fitness center, tennis courts, indoor pool and arcade. Located near a Hatfield McCoy ATV Trailhead and the Twisted Gun Golf Course.
Located at 300 Prichard St. in Williamson, this museum is housed in a vintage Pullman railroad passenger car and a caboose. It features artifacts, tools, photos and documents related to N&W railroad history.
This county fair features vendors, rides, food, games and nationally known music acts like The Kentucky Headhunters, Marshall Tucker Band, Black Oak Arkansas and more. The first week of August in Matewan, WV.
18.
Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival (304) 235-5240
Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival celebrates the most famous feud in American history. The festival occurs the 2nd weekend of each June and attracts people come from all over the US. The festival features lots of family friendly things to do including: traditional music, plays, tours of the Hatfield McCoy Feud sites, a tug-of-war across the Tug river by descendants of the feuding families, golf tournament, ATV poker run, great home cooking and lots of other fun – all with a Hatfield McCoy Feud theme. It also coincides with the Hatfield-McCoy Marathon and is centered near several trailheads for the Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails.
Rated one of the 10 most enjoyable marathon’s in America, The Hatfield-McCoy Marathon is run the 2nd Saturday of each June. This race has something for everyone including a 26.2 marathon, 13.1 half marathon and a kid's “Once Around The Block Mini Marathon.” The race coincides with the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival and features lots of family friendly things to do in addition to the race. The race covers a scenic course with a variety of terrain and spans two states (West Virginia and Kentucky). The race attracts runners from all over the US and several foreign countries.
A live reenactment of the event that set off the largest armed uprising in America since the Civil War. The reenactment is in the historic town of Matewan and takes place on the streets where the actual events happened. The reenactment play is presented annually on the Saturday closest to May 19th - which is the anniversary of the Matewan Massacre.
21.
Moonshine Hill Climb
Site of nationally sanctioned hillclimb races for dirt bikes and ATV’s. This course features four races each summer. The Moonshine Hill Climb hosted the National Amateur Championships in 2002-2005, which were broadcast on ESPN2. Great for motor sports fans and fun for the whole family.
A festival celebrating the history and influence of coal mining. This festival occurs the third weekend of September and features music, vendors, food and fun. Located in Williamson WV.
This festival celebrates railroad history and heritage. It is located in Williamson, WV and occurs the 1st weekend in October. The festival features music, plays, photography exhibits, vendors, informational displays and kids rides.
LODGING, DINING, SHOPPING & OUTFITTERS
24.
Sycamore Inn 201 W 2nd Ave.
Williamson, WV 25661
(304) 235-3656 or (800)446-6865
Locally owned and operated hotel with 64 modern rooms and reasonable rates. The hotel also features a bar, conference rooms, catering, locally made crafts, free parking and a restaurant for hotel guests.
Mountaineer Hotel
31 E. 2nd Ave.
Williamson, WV 25661
(304) 235-2222
Offers 50 modern rooms, bar, restaurant, health club, game room, conference rooms and free parking. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Offers cabins, RV hookups, and primitive camping. Features direct access from the campground to the Browning Fork Trailhead of the Hatfield McCoy ATV Trails.
