Through the lens of history, each photograph tells a story of rivalry, resilience, and the rugged Appalachian way of life during a tumultuous era. Thanks to the dedicated curation of theHatfield and McCoy Feud Facebook page, we have access to a treasure trove of historic photographs that bring this legend to life. Be sure to follow the Hatfield and McCoy Feud Facebook page to discover more captivating stories and timeless photographs from this legendary chapter in American history.
Photoblog: The Hatfields and the McCoys
This image offers a glimpse into the typical architectural style and construction of the McCoy and Hatfield cabins around the Tug Valley in the post-Civil War era. To manage the intense heat from cooking, kitchens were often positioned at one end of the house, near a fireplace or cast iron wood stove, or sometimes in a completely separate building, connected by a breezeway known as a “dog run,” “dog-trot,” or “possum-trot.” Living and sleeping quarters were situated on the opposite side, with additional space in the attic crawl area. Despite their simplicity, these pioneer structures were remarkably durable and functional.
In 1889, Detective Dan “Cunning” Cunningham of the Eureka Detective Agency was cleared of arson charges for allegedly burning down a barn owned by Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield, though the Hatfields remained convinced of his guilt. This incident, reported by The Logan County Banner, further fueled efforts to capture the notorious Hatfield clan, attracting lawmen and gunslingers to West Virginia, drawn by the bounties and notoriety. Among them was the William A. Pinkerton National Detective Agency, sometimes collaborating with Cunningham’s Eureka Detective Agency.
The saga continued with William Gibbony Baldwin, who founded the Baldwin Detective Agency after starting his career at Eureka. By 1910, after partnering with lawyer Thomas Lafayette Felts, the agency was renamed Baldwin–Felts Detective Agency, based in Bluefield, WV, marking a significant era in the legacy of American detective work intertwined with Appalachian feuds.
The Hatfields & McCoys Historic Feud Driving Tour
This truly special photograph depicts Hatfield patriarch William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield, along with his wife Levisa “Levicy” Hatfield. This heartwarming scene is made complete by a loving ensemble of children and grandchildren at their family home in Sarah Ann, Logan County, West Virginia. Photo courtesy of Dr. Coleman C. Hatfield.
In a cherished contribution to the Hatfield and McCoy Feud page, Edward M. McCoy, a direct descendant of the feuding McCoys, shared a collection of historical images in 2013. Among these treasures is a photograph capturing the rustic exterior of John McCoy’s cabin in Pike County, Kentucky, as it appeared in 2000. Edward notes that the cabin, which was located near Gulnare on McCoy Branch off Brushy Creek, was constructed around 1803, marking the arrival of Old William McCoy and his family to the area. This location is a silent witness to the deep roots and enduring legacy of the McCoy family in the hills north of Pikeville, KY.
Here is another amazing photograph that was shared to the Hatfield and McCoy Feud page by Edward M. McCoy. This particular image reveals the home of Sam McCoy, son of Randall and Sally McCoy. Born in 1857, Sam was a prominent figure during the turbulent feud years. The photograph, whose exact date remains unknown, also includes a glimpse of Sam’s final resting place alongside his wife, Martha (1858 – 1942), and several of their children and in-laws at Dils Cemetery in Pikeville, Kentucky. This submission coincidentally came the same year marking the centennial of both Sam’s and Devil Anse Hatfield’s deaths, linking their histories once more through the shared year of their passing in 1921.
We hope this journey through the rich visual history of the Hatfields and McCoys has deepened your appreciation for the complexities and human stories behind one of America’s most enduring family legacies. Each photograph not only captures a moment in time but also tells the story of a family’s journey through decades of hardship and harmony. For more intriguing snapshots and stories from the Appalachian past, don’t forget to like and share the Hatfield and McCoy Feud Facebook page. Join us in keeping these historical narratives alive and vibrant for future generations to explore and understand.
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