Perhaps the greatest draw for Pike County, Kentucky is the legendary sites of the Hatfield McCoy Feud. These sites, which include the Hog Trail Cabin (known as the “Preacher Anse” Cabin), the McCoy Homeplace and Well, the Hatfield Cemeteries, Dils Cemetery (resting place of the McCoys), and an assortment of other sites all carry with them not only incredible history, but also great responsibility.
In spring of 2020, Pike County Tourism CVB, along with volunteers, prepared these sites for Memorial Day weekend. This was no small task, which involved not only financial investment, but also labor; weed eating, mowing, cleaning, raking, pressure washing staircases, and placing wreathes. Given the financial hardship bought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, such an investment has taken its toll on our budget, and although we remain optimistic for our local tourism industry’s recovery, we are looking for ways to keep these precious sites beautiful going forward.
Now that 2021 is here, this would be a perfect time for you to get involved, especially if you are a descendant of the Hatfields and/or McCoys. Pike County Tourism has always cherished our relationship with the Hatfields and McCoys, some of which have dedicated time and money to boosting tourism in our region, and keeping the feud story alive for many to experience and learn from.
How Can You Help?
In Pike County Tourism CVB’s over 28 years of service to these sites, we have never asked for help. However, given the circumstances, we are in need of help to maintain these wonderful sites.
There are three ways in which you can get involved:
Make an online donation: Click below to make a secure donation online with PayPal. A PayPal account is not required. This donation will be used to offset spending for Hatfield McCoy Feud Sites’ upkeep.
Volunteer your time: Not all donations need be monetary. Contact us by phone (606) 432-5063, or by email if you would like to arrange a time to volunteer at one of our historic sites. We would love to work with you.
Mail in a donation: Feel free to mail a check of any amount, made out to Pike County Tourism CVB, P.O. Box 1497, Pikeville, KY, 41501.
The 2020 Hatfield McCoy Historic Sites Cleanup
Thank you to all of our supporters for volunteering time and resources to this project.
Giving Back, a Message from the Descendants
Hatfield-McCoy cemetery cleanups are an incredible way to reconnect with history. Our cemeteries are more than family memorials. They are also historic heritage sites. By participating in these cemetery cleanups, we can honor our ancestors, preserve our history and give back to the local community in a way that is personal, tangible and unique. It’s an experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
The cemetery cleanups are just the beginning of what we hope the Hatfields and McCoys can do for the local community. The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. Last year was the first time since 2000 that the Hatfields and McCoys didn’t get together for our annual reunion. I know the families are looking forward to coming back to Pikeville in September and finding ways to give back to the community. We’ve missed being back home in Pike County. We’re ready to get things started.
Ron McCoy, Randolph McCoy’s direct descendant
I know many would find it hard to believe that a New York City born and bred guy like myself would be a direct descendant of Ole Randall McCoy, let alone be someone who considers Pike County to be one of the places in the world where I truly feel at home. Not only has this been because of my connection to the area where my Dad was born and our rich family heritage, but also because of the people who still live, work, and die there.
I have been blessed to visit the area many times and met some of the finest people I’ve ever met, even after a 26 year military career that took me all around the globe. They are as proud of the history as I am to the connection with the Hatfields and McCoys. They have taken it upon themselves to organize cleanups of the heritage sites so that people from all around the world can come and see them in a way that showcases that pride.
If you are a Hatfield or a McCoy in the local area, or one who has wished to make the pilgrimage as I have, this is a unique opportunity to help out. For one who worked side by side with both families in other endeavors, there was a feeling with each of those encounters that cannot be matched.
Like everyone else, much has been put on the back burner due to the Covid situation over the past year. I know I will return to Pike County and also Mingo and Logan County again someday, but in the meantime I hope those of you who are able, take advantage of what will surely be a gratifying event.
Eddie McCoy, Randolph McCoy’s direct descendant
Our purpose is to get up in the morning and do what we do best, and that’s to work on restoring these legendary sites. It’s time to put some work in, and when we are finished, hopefully you will see a difference. We have pride in our community; our backyard. Being able to work and see results is rewarding, and we encourage every descendant, and those who love the history to get engaged with these efforts. Our process everyday is the “fuel that of the feud” that drives what we do as a team effort, to keep the memory of the feud alive. Remember, as leaders, our teams follow our lead – from the front. Help us in taking pride in your backyard. I look forward to the cleanup up each year.
Bob Scott, Hatfield descendant
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