West Virginia Archives - Appalachian History

view of gunnison from lewis hotel roof 1882

Hatfields escape WV jail, head west

Cap Hatfield’s reason for stopping at Gunnison had nothing to do with gold fever or a personal desire for wealth.

February 15, 2021 Feuds / West Virginia / Wild West

Matewan Shootout sends the Hatfields west

Cap Hatfield and his younger brothers escaped the law, a local WV posse, and possibly a hangman’s noose and headed west.

cover of where stars grant wishes with star background

December 30, 2020 West Virginia / Writers

Book Excerpt: ‘Where the Stars Grant Wishes’

Early in her marriage, Lucy discovers secrets & makes wishes on stars, but will she ever accept her eccentric mother-in-law’s ways?

December 17, 2020 Christmas traditions / West Virginia

Extended Family

Mom passes me an ornament with a family of black bears on it. I spin it around to find the words Gatlinburg, TN painted along its base. “From our vacation?”

December 11, 2020 Coal mining / Mine Wars / West Virginia

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum 2.0

Blair Mountain calls to us. The echoes of the voices of miners & their families call to us. And we—many of us—hear those voices.

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