20. The aftermath of the Hatfield and McCoy feud
By the end of the twentieth century, the Hatfield and McCoy feud was big business. It was referenced in popular music, featured in role-playing games, and video games presented scenarios which were based on extended clans engaging in a similar feud. In the region where the feud took place both West Virginia and Kentucky have established tourist attractions and celebrations which draw thousands of visitors to the area annually. Descendants of the feud’s participants even appeared on the television game show Family Feud, playing against each other in 1979, with part of the prizes going to the winners (the McCoys) being a pig.
The families, with the support of the governors of Kentucky and West Virginia, have declared the feud officially over. June 14 is recognized in both states as Hatfield-McCoy Reconciliation Day. During the annual fun held in the name of the feud, the graves of several of its victims can be viewed, including that of Uncle Jim Vance. Hatfields and McCoys remain a reference for enduring enmity in the American lexicon, despite the celebratory nature of much of the modern remembrances over the battle between and within families that led to multiple deaths, and nearly brought two states to armed conflict in the latter part of the 19th century.
Where do we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
“The Hatfields and McCoys”. Otis K. Rice. 1982
“The Hatfield and McCoy Feud after Kevin Costner: Rescuing History”. Tom Dotson. 2013
“Days of Darkness: The Feuds of Eastern Kentucky”. John Ed Pearce. 1994
“1882 One Hundred Years Ago”. James C. Simmons, American Heritage Magazine. August/September, 1982
“Hatfields, McCoys, and Social Change in Appalachia, 1860-1899”. Altina L. Waller. 1988
“Simon Bolivar Buckner: Borderland Knight”. Arndt M. Stickles. 1940
“Frank and Nancy McCoy Phillips”. The Explore Kentucky History Team, Kentucky History. Online
“‘Bad Frank’ Phillips of Hatfield – McCoy Fame”. Phillips DNA News. July 2012
“The Feud: The Hatfields and the McCoys: The True Story”. Dean King. 2014
“The True Story of the Hatfield and McCoy Feud”. L.D. Hatfield. Ravenio Books, 2015
“William Anderson ‘Devil Anse’ Hatfield”. Biography, Find a Grave. Online
“America is fascinated with ‘Hatfields and McCoys’ feud”. Associated Press, June 19, 2012