The Hidden Secrets of the West Virginia Coal Wars: An Unearthed History

The Ignition of Conflict: Paint Creek and Cabin Creek Strikes

The West Virginia Coal Wars, a tumultuous period from 1912 to 1921, were marked by fierce conflicts between coal miners and mine operators. The Paint Creek-Cabin Creek strikes of 1912–13 laid the groundwork for this era of unrest. Union miners, under the United Mine Workers of America (UMW), sought better pay and conditions, leading to widespread strikes. In response, mining companies employed aggressive tactics, including hiring the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency to suppress the strikes. This agency played a pivotal role, often using violence and intimidation against miners. The tension escalated with the construction of the “Bull Moose Express,” an armored train equipped with machine guns used by the company guards to attack miner encampments, resulting in casualties like miner Cesco Estep. The conflict saw key figures like Mary “Mother” Jones rallying for the miners’ cause and the intervention of state troops under martial law to attempt to control the situation (Wikipedia​​, National Park Service​​).

The Battle of Matewan: A Turning Point

The Battle of Matewan in May 1920 marked a significant turning point. The Baldwin-Felts agents, tasked with evicting union miners, clashed with local authorities in Matewan, including Police Chief Sid Hatfield and Mayor Cabel Testerman. The confrontation turned deadly…