The McCoy Well

Beneath the Ashes of the Feud: National Geographic’s McCoy Property Excavation

When National Geographic Channel’s Diggers series descended on the McCoy Well property in Hardy, Kentucky, they set out to solve one of the longest-standing mysteries of Appalachian history—the exact location of the McCoy family cabin, site of the bloody climax of the Hatfield-McCoy feud on January 1, 1888. Over multiple seasons, hosts George “KG” Wyant and Tim “Ringy” Saylor combined their passion for treasure hunting with careful archaeological methods to bring new clarity to this legendary site. Their work transformed local folklore into documented history, capturing the attention of historians and tourists alike.

From Metal Detectors to Professional Archaeology

In their initial 2012 visit, Wyant and Saylor swept the hillside above the rumored cabin site with metal detectors, quickly uncovering musket balls and primitive bullets—tangible vestiges of the New Year’s Day raid that ignited the feud’s final chapter. These finds, remarkable for their preservation, hinted at a violent skirmish but needed professional verification to confirm their significance. Recognizing the importance of these artifacts, the Diggers enlisted Dr. Kim McBride and the Kentucky Archaeological Survey (KAS) to apply rigorous excavation methods, ensuring each discovery was recorded according to state and federal guidelines.

Working alongside the Kentucky Office of State Archaeology, the team mapped out the site, catalogued every nail, glass shard, and bullet fragment, and used careful stratigraphic digging to piece together a comprehensive picture of the homestead’s layout. Their systematic approach not only protected the integrity of the site but also laid the groundwork for future explorations and scholarly research.

Key Artifacts Unearthed

The excavations yielded a remarkable array of artifacts: musket balls and bullet fragments linking directly to eyewitness accounts of the raid; domestic items such as ceramic shards, broken and window glass, wrought and machine-cut nails, and stove parts that reveal daily life on the Kentucky frontier. A particularly evocative find was a plow blade fragment, which hints at the agricultural work the McCoys performed to sustain their homestead. Charred wooden boards and dressed stone confirmed the cabin’s original footprint and corroborated written records describing the house’s fiery destruction during the Hatfield attack.

Together, these discoveries provide a vivid, multi-faceted look at 19th-century homestead life, bridging the gap between oral histories and physical evidence. Each artifact tells its own story, from the violence of the feud to the domestic routines of a pioneer family.

Collaborative Return: Descendants and Archaeologists

When the Diggers returned in 2014, they brought a full crew of professionals alongside descendants from both the Hatfield and McCoy clans, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation rather than conflict. Family members shared oral histories that enriched the dig with personal narratives, while archaeologists guided participants through proper excavation techniques. Together, they painstakingly unearthed and documented fresh finds, creating a shared experience that helped heal old wounds.

This collaborative approach not only validated the site’s historical authenticity but also symbolized reconciliation and mutual respect. By involving descendants directly in the excavation, the project demonstrated how archaeology can unite communities through a common appreciation for their shared past.

From Screen to Heritage Tourism

Featured in the Diggers episode “The Real McCoy” (airing January 29, 2013) and in subsequent seasons, the excavations sparked a surge in heritage tourism to McCoy Well. Visitors now flock to Hardy, Kentucky, from around the globe, eager to stand where history unfolded. Property owner and Hatfield descendant Bob Scott has partnered with local tourism officials to develop interpretive signage, guided tours, and preservation efforts, ensuring that each guest gains a deeper understanding of the site’s significance.

Local businesses have responded with themed tour packages, educational programs, and commemorative events, all designed to celebrate the region’s complex history. This influx of interest has not only boosted the local economy but also strengthened efforts to protect and maintain this invaluable historical landmark.

Why the McCoy Well Excavation Matters

The Diggers’ work at McCoy Well stands as a landmark archaeological achievement: confirmation of the McCoy homestead’s exact location, a testament to the power of archaeology to bridge family feuds, and an educational resource that brings 19th-century Appalachian life into vivid relief. By moving beyond mere legend to uncover solid evidence, the project has enriched our collective understanding of one of America’s most storied family conflicts.

As one Kentucky tourism leader put it, uncovering these artifacts was “like unlocking a time capsule that speaks directly to our nation’s frontier past.” Their discovery underscores the enduring value of preserving and studying our shared heritage.

Visit the Site Where History Was Unearthed

Whether you’re a Civil War enthusiast, a student of Appalachian history, or simply someone who loves a good detective story, the Diggers’ excavation at McCoy Well offers a rare connection to America’s frontier legacy. Plan your trip to Hardy, Kentucky, today and stand where history was unearthed. Guided tours are available year-round, with interpretive panels and expert staff on hand to answer your questions and bring the past to life.

Don’t miss the opportunity to touch the artifacts, walk the original cabin footprint, and peer into the well that provided water—and now insight—into a defining moment of American history.