The Hatfield & McCoy Feud: The Real Life History And The Pigeon Forge Show

On January 7, 1865, the murder of Asa Harmon McCoy by a member of the Hatfield family launched a legendary family feud that lasted over a quarter century. The Hatfields, of West Virginia, and the McCoys, of Kentucky, lived along the Tug Fork tributary, a section of the Big Sandy River that divides the two states. Asa Harmon McCoy had fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, but when was discharged early with a broken leg, Confederate sympathizer Jim Vance, a member of the Hatfield clan, led the Logan Wildcat militia on a hunt to find and kill Mr. McCoy.

In 1878, bad blood between the two families came to a boil once again, when a dispute over the ownership of a hog led to the slaying of Bill Stanton at the hands of Sam and Paris McCoy. Over the next 13 years, a veritable war broke out between the feuding families. Ellison Hatfield was stabbed 26 times and shot on election day in 1882. In response, the three members of the McCoy family responsible for Ellison’s death were tied to pawpaw trees and riddled with bullets. The hostility reached its bloody peak in the 1888 New Year’s Night Massacre, during which members of the Hatfield family shot up the McCoy cabin and set it on fire. Tensions between the two families subsided after 1890, when eight members of the Hatfield family stood trial for the New Year’s Night Massacre. Seven men were sentenced to life in prison and Ellison “Cottontop” Mounts was hanged.

The Hatfield-McCoy feud has become an unforgettable part of American popular culture, inspiring movies, television series and a Pigeon Forge Show. In the light hearted Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, hijinks ensue when the two families are invited to the same barn dance. With toe-tapping music, astonishing stunts and hilarious comedy, this Pigeon Forge show makes the world’s most famous feud a fun filled event for the whole family. This fantastic performance also includes an all-you-can-eat feast of traditional Southern favorites, including pulled pork, fried chicken, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.

When you come to see the number one Pigeon Forge show, be sure to stay over in one of Parkside Cabin Rental’s luxurious properties. With chalets and cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Parkside Cabin Rentals offers lodging for any price range. We are currently offering an incredible summer special. Find out more about our cabins and our specials by calling us toll free at 877-535-4620. We look forward to hearing from you!