Welcome to the Hatfield McCoy Historical Marker in McCarr, Kentucky, a site steeped in the tumultuous history of one of America’s most infamous feuds. This marker commemorates the Hatfield-McCoy Feud, a series of events that unfolded between two families along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River from 1863 to 1891.
The feud began amid the backdrop of the American Civil War, a time that sowed seeds of discord across the nation. The Hatfields, led by William Anderson ‘Devil Anse’ Hatfield, resided mostly on the West Virginia side, while the McCoys, under Randolph ‘Ole Randall’ McCoy, were primarily on the Kentucky side. Both families had Confederate leanings, but tensions erupted when Asa Harmon McCoy, a Union soldier and member of the McCoy family, was murdered in 1865. This incident is widely considered the catalyst for the feud.
The feud escalated over the years, with disputes ranging from livestock ownership to political rivalries. One notorious incident occurred in 1878 over the ownership of a hog, which was claimed by both families. This seemingly trivial disagreement resulted in a trial and further deepened the animosity between the two clans.
Notable figures such as ‘Devil Anse’ Hatfield became synonymous with the feud. Known for his charismatic leadership and successful timber business, Devil Anse played a pivotal role in the family’s wealth and influence. Conversely, Ole Randall McCoy, a farmer with fewer resources, struggled against the Hatfields’ political connections and affluence.
Over time, the feud caught nationwide attention, becoming a symbol of rural American conflict and family loyalty. It also highlighted issues of justice and law enforcement in a region struggling with limited resources and widespread lawlessness. While the violence subsided by the early 1890s, the legacy of the Hatfield-McCoy feud continues to capture the imagination of many.
Today, the historical marker serves as a reminder of this dramatic chapter in American history, inviting visitors to reflect on the complexities of family, honor, and the societal impact of long-standing rivalries.
