There is no doubt that Kevin Costner’s Hatfields & McCoys miniseries has ignited tremendous interest in the feud, the feud sites and the unique culture of Pike County, KY. Visitors have traveled by the thousands to Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia to explore these historic sites, and to discover for themselves the history of “America’s Most Famous Feud.” From the Hog Trail Cabin to the McCoy home place, Devil Anse Statue, and more, there is a wealth of major historical locales to visit when doing the tour. But there are little gems along the way that, if someone is not careful, they could easily miss. Below are some of these gems, so be sure to look out for them when you visit the historic feud sites.
#5 Pawpaw Trees, Where are They?
Pawpaw Tree Site
The infamous pawpaw trees, where the McCoy boys were tied up and executed, are one of the most somber locations in the feud tour. For those who appreciate historic locales, this site is more than a plot of wooded land flanking the historic Tug River, but a crime scene drawn from Appalachia’s momentous past. If you examine the pawpaw killings site, you will notice that the terrain is fitting for a hasty execution spot, as the Hatfields could easily escape back across the Tug before anyone, especially the law, would even know what happened. But one thing that visitors may be unaware of when visiting this site is that there are no pawpaw trees there. Despite our community’s best efforts, pawpaw trees will no longer grow there. It is an eerie thing too, given the grim history of what took place at this spooky but beautiful site.
#4 Bad Frank’s Leg
Bad Frank Philips Gravesite – courtesy of Reed Potter
Frank and Nancy McCoy Philips (yes, that’s one “l” as written on the tombstone) are two characters from feud lore that spark much interest in our visitors. Frank was portrayed as the anti-hero lawman in Costner’s miniseries, and Nancy was portrayed as a scorned woman with a vindictive mission to bring ruin back to the Hatfields. While, like many of the feudist, these characterizations are debatable, one thing is for sure; Frank and Nancy’s gravesite has all the character that is portrayed in the miniseries. Hidden away in the beautiful mountains of Pike County, Kentucky, their memorial includes not only their gravestones and an information kiosk, but also a peculiar box that is partially buried near Frank. This box is said to be Frank’s leg, as it was customary during their time to bury amputee’s limbs where the body is to be laid to rest. When Frank was shot, his leg had to be removed due to infection, which shortly after claimed his life. So when you visit Frank and Nancy, you are not only meeting them, but Frank’s leg as well.
#3 Footprints in the Hog Trial Cabin Steps
The Hog Trial Cabin is one of the Feud Tour’s most beloved sites. To see where the famous hog trial took place is certainly something to behold. But there is a small detail at the cabin that may go unnoticed to many visitors. In the concrete of the steps leading up to the cabin’s porch, the impression of footprints can be seen. Locals tell us that these belong to Preacher Anse’s granddaughters, infusing a sense of nostalgia to an already cherished American relic. Seeing evidence like this reminds us that the story of the feud is more than just embellished American history, but that these people were regular people like the rest of us, living out life in tumultuous times.
#2 Authentic Courthouse Wall from Feud Era
Pike County Courthouse Wall
The Hatfields who were (and some who may have not been) involved in the massacre of Randolph McCoy’s family were put on trial at the Pike County Courthouse on Main Street, Pikeville KY. The Pike County Courthouse is one of Eastern Kentucky’s most historic buildings, and although it has been through a multitude of renovations, the impact of the feud can still be felt there. A tour of the Heritage Hall and Veteran’s Hall of Honor, as well as the courtroom itself, leaves visitors with an accurate taste of authentic Appalachian culture, and is a gleaming example of just how far we have come as a culture. One nugget of history that some visitors may miss is an original brick wall nestled in the Records Department on the bottom floor. While a brick wall may seem uninspiring to some, many a feudist laid eyes on this wall as they were going about their business. This wall serves as an example of how much the courthouse has grown over the years as well. Another interesting thing about this room is the historical records that are stored there. A particularly inquisitive visitor can see original marriage and death records of many prominent figures from feud history.
#1 The Outline of the McCoy Cabin & Bullets from the New Years Eve Massacre
Bullets recovered from the McCoy property – Courtesy of Bob Scott
One of the most violent attacks in the entire feud was the New Years Eve massacre at the home place of the McCoys in Blackberry, KY. Known as the “McCoy Well”, the property is opened to any and all visitors who would like to see the place where the attack occurred. National Geographic’s “Diggers” program did an episode at the property, with owner Bob Scott and his wife Rita providing hospitality. The Diggers were able to construct a taped outline of the where the cabin was located, giving visitors a more complete picture of how the attack most likely took place. Artifacts were also discovered on the property, such as bullets and every day items from the feud era. These are often on display at the McCoy home place, so be sure to ask about them when you visit.
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