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Timeline
The story of the Hatfields and McCoys spans generations and remains one of the most well-known family conflicts in American history. This timeline highlights key moments from the historic feud as well as modern efforts to preserve the legacy, promote understanding, and celebrate the shared heritage of both families.
Where it all started
Back in time to 1865
Historic events during the Hatfield-McCoy feud shaped the culture and folklore of Appalachia. From the earliest conflicts in the late 1800s to modern efforts to preserve family history, the story continues to evolve through education, historic preservation, and community engagement.
Historic
Key moments from the original Hatfield-McCoy feud of the late 19th century. These events trace the origins of the conflict and the series of incidents that shaped one of the most famous family rivalries in American history.
January 7, 1865
Asa Harmon McCoy, brother of family patriarch Randolph McCoy, is killed in Pike County, KY by the Logan Wildcats, a West Virginia home guard unit lead by “Devil Anse”.
May 1, 1878
Randolph McCoy accuses Floyd Hatfield, a cousin of “Devil Anse” Hatfield of stealing his pigs.
October 1, 1878
Devil Anse Hatfield won a land dispute from Randall McCoy’s cousin Perry Cline. The McCoy’s believed the court decision to be unjust.
May 1, 1880
Randolph McCoy’s daughter, Roseanna runs off with Johnse Hatfield, son of clan leader “Devil Anse” Hatfield.
June 18, 1880
Bill Staton, a witness for the Hatfields in the “pig trial” is shot by Sam McCoy, a nephew of Randolph McCoy.
February 7, 1881
Roseanna and Johnse’s Baby Dies, Roseanna left the Hatfield’s and was sent to stay with her aunt Betty. The baby died and Johnse married Roseanna’s cousin Nancy Mccoy.
August 7, 1882
Ellison Hatfield, brother of “Devil Anse” Hatfield is mortally wounded in a brawl with three of Randolph McCoy’s sons.
August 9, 1882
Tolbert, Pharmer, and Randolph McCoy Jr. are tied to pawpaw bushes and executed by the Hatfields for the murder of Ellison Hatfield.
December 1886
Jeff McCoy, nephew of Randolph, is shot by “Cap” Hatfield, son of “Devil Anse.”
May 1, 1887
The McCoys seek Justice – In 1887 the McCoys try to have the Kentucky governor extradite the Hatfield’s for the murder of Randle McCoy’s sons.
January 1, 1888
The Hatfields, led by Jim Vance and “Cap” Hatfield, attack the McCoy family cabin by night, killing Alifair and Calvin McCoy, beating Sarah McCoy nearly to death and burning the home to the ground.
January 7, 1888
Jim Vance, the uncle of “Devil Anse” is killed by “Bad” Frank Phillips in a West Virginia raid.
January 18, 1888
Deputy Bill Dempsey is wounded by Jim McCoy and killed by “Bad” Frank Phillips in a battle at Grapevine Creek.
September 1, 1888
The U.S. Supreme Court Decision – Some of the Hatfields were captured and taken to Pike County Kentucky and tried for the murders of Randall McCoy’s children. The captured Hatfields were hanged or sentenced to life in prison.
February 18, 1890
Ellison “Cotton Top” Mounts is hanged in Pikeville, KY for the killing of Alifair McCoy. They say this was the end of the feud as “Devil Anse” decided to not seek retaliation.
Modern Era
Events in the modern era that reflect reconciliation, preservation of family heritage, and the continued effort to honor the history of the Hatfield and McCoy families while promoting unity and cultural tourism throughout Appalachia.
2000
Cousins Bo and Ron McCoy organize the “Hatfield McCoy Reunion Festival,” the first national reunion of the Hatfield and McCoy families in Pikeville, KY. With activities in Williamson and Matewan, WV, the historic “Reunion of the Millennium” draws more than 5,000 family members to the area. News of the event is carried nationally by the Associated Press, the New York Times, USA Today, Washington Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, People Magazine, the Today Show, CNN, PBS, CBS TV & Radio, and internationally by BBC, the Guardian, the Scotsman, ABC News (Australia) and CBC News (Canada). The reunion continues to be held annually each summer in Matewan, WV.
2003
Businessman Reo Hatfield partners with the McCoy cousins to sign the “Hatfield McCoy Truce” in Pikeville, KY, an effort to promote unity and demonstrate the power of forgiveness in the aftermath of 9-11. The event is broadcast live on CBS.
2008
The John Templeton Foundation, a global philanthropic organization supporting religious, philosophical, and scientific studies, names the Truce signing as one of the “Ten Great Moments in Forgiveness History.”
2013
The city of Pikeville and Pike County (KY) rebrands its reunion event as “Hatfield McCoy Heritage Days,” an annual event held in the Fall.
2014
The family’s partner with the University of Kentucky, National Geographic and the television show “Diggers” in a joint archaeological dig at the McCoy homestead. The dig produces the first artifacts ever recovered from a historical feud site.
2015
Judy Hatfield forms the “Hatfield McCoy Foundation,” a 501(c)3 non-profit organization intended to promote feud history, develop, and preserve feud-related historical sites and advocate the virtues of unity and forgiveness.
2015
In “Reunion: Hatfield’s and McCoy’s,” Ron McCoy chronicles the joint heritage of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s and the interactions of the families in the historic and modern eras.
2016
Jack Hatfield authors “Eat’n with the Hatfield’s,” a collection of time-honored family recipes and stories passed down through generations of the clan.
2021
The Hatfield-McCoy Foundation, under the directorship of Jack Hatfield, relaunches with Reo and Judy Hatfield and Ron McCoy serving as members of the executive board. The Foundation has a new and broader mission to promote the heritage of the “Hatfield’s and McCoy’s” through a series of regional and national events while maintaining and developing feud-related sites in Appalachia.
November 2021
Restoration work on Devil Anse Hatfield’s homeplace in Sarah Ann, WV is started.
February 2025
Jack Hatfield republishes “An American Vendetta: Legend of the Hatfield McCoy Feud”, a thorough historical analysis detailing the origins, key events, and enduring legacy of the infamous family conflict.
March 2025
Jack Hatfield receives the “West Virginia History Hero Award” for 2025, presented by the WV Division of Arts, Culture and History, in recognition of his preservation work on family history.
May 2025
Jack Hatfield republishes *The Devil’s Brigade: Complexities of the Hatfield & McCoy Feud*, which examines the socioeconomic and cultural factors that fueled the feud and offers new perspectives grounded in modern scholarship.
June 13, 2025
Jack Hatfield launches his personal cinnamon-flavored moonshine brand “The Devil’s Lightning” (111-proof “The Patriarch’s Legacy”) in partnership with Rolling Oak Distillery in Dunlap, TN.
Winter 2025
Groundbreaking and site work begin on the Hatfield McCoy Heritage Center in Pigeon Forge, TN, with an opening targeted for 2026.