6 Degrees of Hatfield

or McCoys...

“Can we park here?”

The older gentlemen in the security guard uniform started walking over to us.

Jenn and I were on a whirlwind trip of the western Virginia/Kentucky area to find whatever history hot spots we could get to in a couple days.

We had left Big Stone gap that morning…not really a history stop. However, if you like the book or movie then it’s a must see for the area and it is a gorgeous small Virginia town. Some of the nicest people we’ve ever met.

We had mad a last minute decision to visit Pikeville, Kentucky…an area known for the famous Hatfield and McCoy family feud.

“No sir…this area is for patients only. But ya’ll can park right down there”

The security guard looked to be his early 60s and had a friendly smile and easy air about him.

We were looking for the city courthouse as we had been told there was a small museum inside that had a lot of displays and information on the Hatfield/McCoy history.

As we turned to look and see where the hospital security guard was pointing I noticed his name tag.

No freaking way. I thought to myself.

Inscribed on the name tag pinned to his man’s uniform, was the name Hatfield.

the mini-series is fantastic

Hatfield and McCoy’s become American History

The Hatfield-McCoy feud, was a bitter rivalry that spanned decades, and began in the Tug Valley region along the Kentucky-West Virginia border. It all started in 1878 with a dispute over a stolen pig.

Well…that’s when it picked up steam.

Really it had started in 1865 when Asa McCoy was shot and killed by some local Confederate soldiers. (Asa had fought for the Union and was on his way home) Allegedly James Hatfield had been leading that group…so many people say he was guilty of that murder, even though it was never definitively proved.

Here’s a brief timeline of the stranger than fiction history between these two families:

• 1878, Randolph McCoy accused Floyd Hatfield of stealing one of his hogs. The ensuing trial, where a Hatfield served as judge and the jury was comprised of a split between Hatfields and McCoys, resulted in Floyd's acquittal.

This seemingly minor incident ignited a powder keg of tension between the two families.

• 1880 Roseanna McCoy began a relationship with Johnse Hatfield. Their Romeo and Juliet-like affair only served to deepen the animosity between the clans. Roseanna was ultimately abandoned by Johnse, leaving her pregnant and disowned by her family.

• 1882 Three of Randolph McCoy's sons killed Ellison Hatfield. In retaliation, the Hatfields captured and executed the McCoy brothers. This act of vengeance set off a series of brutal attacks and murders that would last for years.

• New Year's Day, 1888, in what became known as the New Year's Night Massacre, the Hatfields attacked the McCoy home, killing two of Randolph's children and severely beating his wife.

• 1890s, the feud finally began to wind down as outside authorities intervened and public opinion turned against the violence. By the time it ended, the conflict had claimed more than a dozen lives and left a lasting mark on American folklore.

Today, the Hatfield-McCoy feud serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of grudges and the importance of reconciliation. Descendants of both families have since made peace, hosting joint family reunions and working together to preserve the complex history of their ancestors.

Quick “party fact”: Did you know that Doctor McCoy on Star Trek is supposed to be a distant relative of the McCoys?

Our brush with history

“Are you related to the Hatfields? Like the Hatfield/McCoy Hatfields?”

Jenn asked the question to our now parking spot guide.

The gentlemen smiled and said “Yup! Devil Anse Hatfield was my Great Uncle.”

“NO WAY!” Jenn and I said together, smiles across both of our faces.

“Yes ma’am. I own the land that used to be the border between the two properties…I guess the Hatfields won in the end!”

All three of us started laughing, the gentlemen with a knowing look on his face, and Jenn and I eyes wide with surprise.

“Ya’ll have a good day” He said politely as he walked away and we drove to find our parking spot.

“Did that really just happen? Did he just say that?” Jenn said aloud…I could only laugh in reply.

Only in the middle of Kentucky could we meet someone with as famous a last name as that. Jenn and I laughed as we found our way to the city courthouse with the small museum on the 3rd floor. We spent some time there then drove to some of the more famous spots of this family feud.

Driving the Kentucky hollers was surprisingly beautiful and truly felt like we were walking in the footsteps of history.

If you are ever driving through Kentucky…this is a great day trip.

📍 Pikeville, KY (head to the visitors center…they have some great driving tour guides)

🎥 History of the Hatfield and McCoy sites

(oh and check out the mini-series that Kevin Costner made about this…so good)

Have you ever had a brush with history? Email us back and let us know!

Chuck Norris does not use spell check. If he happens to misspell a word, Oxford will change the spelling.