The McCoy Well has been a focal point in various forms of media and public history, illustrating its significance in the ongoing story of the Hatfield-McCoy feud. In 2014, an archaeological excavation at the site, sponsored by National Geographic and the University of Kentucky, captured national attention. This dig was later featured in a 2015 episode of the television series Diggers, showcasing the well’s historical importance and the remarkable artifacts recovered.
In print and online news coverage, the well continues to make headlines, particularly during annual events like the Hatfield McCoy Heritage Days. These commemorative events highlight the well as a gathering place for family descendants and visitors, where memorial services and historical storytelling foster understanding and reconciliation.
Tourism efforts have also ensured that the McCoy Well remains a prominent stop on the Hatfield–McCoy Feud Driving Tour. This immersive experience—available through Pike County tourism—guides visitors to key feud locations with audio and visual narration that brings the past to life. Podcasts and interviews produced by organizations like the Hatfield and McCoy Foundation further explore the well’s role in the broader narrative of the feud.
During the annual Hatfield McCoy Heritage Days, the well is a powerful symbol in public ceremonies, reenactments, and storytelling sessions, reinforcing its role in both the feud’s violent past and the shared efforts for remembrance and healing. While it may not often be the centerpiece of fictional adaptations, the McCoy Well endures as a touchstone for documentaries, tourism programs, and the living history of the families it connects.
Local bluegrass musician Jim Hunt shares a soulful tribute to the McCoy Well in this heartfelt performance. His song captures the haunting beauty and enduring legacy of the site, weaving together Appalachian history and music.
This documentary segment recreates the infamous New Year’s Day attack on the McCoy homestead. Experience the history and drama of that fateful night.
In this unique video, see what it’s like to sleep in the exact spot of Randolph McCoy’s cabin, burned down during the 1888 raid. A personal and immersive experience.
This deep dive uncovers surprising facts and historical twists in the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys, including how the McCoy Well fits into the larger story.
The classic 1975 TV movie starring Jack Palance brings the feud’s drama to life. Though dramatized, it’s a fascinating retelling of these historic events.
This CBS News feature delves into the story of the Hatfield-McCoy feud and the McCoy Well’s place in the narrative. Read the article here.
The stars of the History Channel’s “Hatfields & McCoys” discuss the true history behind the feud in this engaging CBS Atlanta interview.
This CBS segment explores newly discovered evidence in the feud’s history. Watch it here.
Archaeologists return to the McCoy Well site to unearth more relics from the feud era. Read more here.
The Daily Mail covers the discovery of the McCoy homestead site, burned down during the legendary New Year's Day massacre. Read more here.
Fox News reports on newly unearthed artifacts that help identify the exact location of a major Hatfield-McCoy battle. Read the article here.
The WV Gazette Mail reports on the discovery of 19th-century artifacts from the feud era, offering new insights into the conflict. Read more here.
The official trailer for the acclaimed History Channel miniseries starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton, which dramatizes the bloody feud and the McCoy Well’s chapter within it.
What was once the scene of violence is now a place of healing. The McCoy Well site today stands not only as an archaeological landmark but as a solemn memorial to the people whose lives were forever changed by the events of January 1, 1888.
Bullets fired in the New Year's Eve Massacre, as well as burnt pieces of wood and McCoy artifacts were discovered by National Geographic's Diggers at the McCoy Well Site.
Check out the many photos that our visitors have shared of their experiences at the legendary McCoy Well in Hardy, Kentucky. More photos will be added periodically, so stay tuned!
Start your adventure to The McCoy Well and beyond by getting in touch with the Pikeville-Pike County, KY Welcome Center. Our team is happy to provide helpful information, local insights, and details to make your trip unforgettable.
📞 Call us at 606-432-5063
📧 Email us: Click to Email
