Welch in McDowell County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

McDowell County Courthouse / Sid Hatfield

McDowell County Courthouse side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 24, 2021

1. McDowell County Courthouse side of marker

Inscription.
McDowell County Courthouse. After Welch was named the county seat in 1892, Frank Pierce Milburn designed the building, constructed 1893-94, with addition in 1909. Added to National Register, 1979. On August 1, 1921. former Matewan Chief of Police Sid Hatfield and Ed Chambers were murdered on the courthouse steps by Baldwin-Felts agents. Three men were charged in the murders but were acquitted.

Sid Hatfield. Born in Kentucky, Sid Hatfield worked as a blacksmith and coal miner before being named chief of police in Matewan, Mingo County. Sympathetic to unionization effort in that county, he joined striking miners, May 19, 1920, in shootout known as Matewan Massacre with Baldwin Felts agents, His murder in 1921 led to Miners’ March on Logan & Battle of Blair Mountain.

Erected 2013 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Labor Unions • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1921.

Location. 37° 25.953′ N, 81° 35.064′ W. Marker is in Welch, West Virginia, in McDowell County. Marker is on Wyoming Street

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(West Virginia Route 16) north of Bank Street. It is at the top of the courthouse steps. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Wyoming St, Welch WV 24801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welch (a few steps from this marker); Hatfield & Chambers (a few steps from this marker); McDowell County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Isaiah A. Welch (a few steps from this marker); Ethnic Population of McDowell County (a few steps from this marker); McDowell County (within shouting distance of this marker); Marthan H. Moore Riverfront Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welch History (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Welch.

Sid Hatfield side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 24, 2021

2. Sid Hatfield side of marker

McDowell County Courthouse / Sid Hatfield Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 24, 2021

3. McDowell County Courthouse / Sid Hatfield Marker

McDowell County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 24, 2021

4. McDowell County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 3, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.