Making History Come Alive Newsletter offers the Hatfield-McCoy feud, a notorious conflict between two families

The Hatfield-McCoy feud was a notorious and violent conflict between two families, the Hatfields from West Virginia and the McCoys from Kentucky, during the late 19th century. The feud is often characterized as one of the most famous family rivalries in American history, marked by a series of violent confrontations, legal disputes, and a deeply entrenched sense of loyalty and honor among the families involved.

Origins
The roots of the feud can be traced back to various factors, including land disputes, social and economic tensions, and personal animosities. The Hatfields, led by William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, were timber landowners, while the McCoys, led by Randolph McCoy, were farmers. Tensions began to escalate in the aftermath of the Civil War, as the two families had differing allegiances during the conflict—Hatfields generally supported the Confederacy while McCoys were more aligned with the Union.

Key Events
The feud gained national attention in the 1880s and 1890s, marked by a series of violent incidents, including:

- The Killing of Randolph McCoy's Family Members: The feud intensified after the murder of several family members, including the death of a McCoy son, which was attributed to the Hatfields.

- The New Year's Night Massacre (1888): A particularly violent episode occurred when a group of Hatfield men attacked the McCoy home, resulting in the deaths of several McCoy family members. This event solidified the feud's reputation for brutality.

- Legal Battles: Both families sought justice through the legal system, leading to numerous arrests and trials. The feud became a spectacle in the media, drawing public attention and sensationalism.

Resolution
The feud gradually diminished in the early 20th century, partly due to the intervention of law enforcement and the courts. The families began to reconcile, and by the 1900s, the violence had mostly subsided. The last known violent incident related to the feud occurred in the 1910s.

Legacy
The Hatfield-McCoy feud has become ingrained in American folklore, symbolizing the themes of family loyalty, honor, and the consequences of violent conflict. It has inspired numerous books, movies, and television shows, contributing to its status as a cultural legend. In contemporary times, the feud is often referenced in discussions about Appalachian culture and the historical context of family feuds in rural America.