Why is the hatfield and mccoy feud famous

Anderson Hatfield also saw new opportunities. He started his own timber company, and, despite being illiterate, proved to be a savvy and opportunistic businessman, hiring relatives and neighbors to man his crew. His workers floated logs down the Tug Fork to the Big Sandy River and on to the Ohio where sawmills churned out the lumber that was building America. On a Kentucky Election Day in , an altercation sparked a dramatic escalation in the tension between the two families.

Anderson decided to take justice into his own hands. With the help of family members and employees, he captured the three McCoy brothers and executed them. The violence shocked the community and Randolph wanted revenge, but there was little effort to bring the Hatfields to justice. As a gunfight broke out, the attackers set the cabin on fire. Like many of his neighbors, he had lost his land to outside capitalists.

The Hatfields, McCoys and other mountain families found ways to adapt to the new economic and social order or moved out of Appalachia altogether. But the legacy of the feud remained. You can also stream the episode on our website or through the PBS app. William Anderson Hatfield center sits surrounded by his family on a winter's day. Circa s. September 5, PM.

By Nadia Suleman. Related Stories. America Needs to Get Back to Facts. Already a print subscriber? Go here to link your subscription. Need help? Visit our Help Center. Go here to connect your wallet.