Matewan, WV

Tucked into the rugged hills of Mingo County along the Tug Fork River, Matewan is a quiet mountain town with deep historical roots. It is best known for its pivotal role in the West Virginia Coal Wars, especially the 1920 Battle of Matewan, where local miners and lawmen stood up against coal company agents. That dramatic past shaped the town's identity and created a strong sense of community pride that you can still feel walking through town today.

ATTRFloNight (Sydney Poore) and Russell Poore / CC BY-SA 4.0

Much of downtown is preserved as a National Historic Landmark, home to spots like the replica Matewan Depot and the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum. In recent years, the area has also become a popular hub for outdoor recreation thanks to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. With direct trail access right in town, you will often see riders cruising down the street alongside neighbors heading out toward the river. It makes for a distinct, close-knit mountain setting steeped in Appalachian heritage.