Talk With History

History of the Hatfields and McCoys

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Episode notes

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This podcast episode, hosted by Scott and his historian wife, Jen, takes a deep dive into the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud, an emblematic saga of conflict between two families post-Civil War.

We begin by invoking the atmosphere of tension in the air, referencing notable figures such as Devil Anse Hatfield and Randolph McCoy, and suggesting a dispute over a pig as the feud's catalyst. The episode details our journey to Pikeville, Kentucky. We share experiences from our travels, including an encounter with a Hatfield descendant, and offer insights into the historical context of the feud, its escalation from minor disputes to violent encounters, and its significance in American folklore.

The episode also touches on the portrayal of the feud in media, with mentions of a Miniseries starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton, and concludes with reflections on the feud's legacy, including efforts towards reconciliation and its continued cultural impact.

0:00 Hatfields McCoys

00:10 Intro

01:36 Talk With History: Introduction

02:10 Exploring Hatfield & McCoy Country

02:38 The Visitor Center: Starting Point for Exploration

04:23 Famous Faces from Pikeville: Chris Stapleton and More

06:49 Meeting a real-life Hatfield

08:18 Background of the Hatfield and McCoy Feud

10:25 The Feud's Origins: Civil War Tensions

13:38 The Spark of the Feud: Asa Harmon McCoy's Death

20:02 The Pig Trial: A Dispute Escalates

22:46 Justice and Retribution: The Hog Trial Cabin

24:48 The Escalation of the Feud

25:45 A Forbidden Romance Sparks Further Conflict

29:46 The Feud Intensifies: Election Day Violence

38:22 A Turning Point: The New Year's Massacre

42:11 The Aftermath and Legacy of the Feud

42:38 Modern Reconciliation and Historical Sites

47:38 Reflections on the Hatfield-McCoy Feud

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