A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of introducing my co-worker at The Hub Kaycie Stushek and my dear friend Daniel Raines to one of my favorite West Virginia communities, Matewan. I started working in Matewan about four years ago and have been in love ever since. We got lucky that day in that Daniel had his camera with him and happens to be a wonderful photographer.
I would like to offer a few of those photos with you here so you may share in the beauty of Matewan…
The first time I drove into Matewan, all I could think of was how the buildings along the main stretch made me immediately think of a movie scene – cardboard cutouts of buildings. I know – weird thought and it still makes me laugh when I think about it today.
These photos capture Matewan’s Visitors Center which happens to be the train depot. The community has worked endless hours to keep the visitors center open to the public and has done a tremendous job of making improvements along the way.
During our visit, we made some time to take a ride on the Hatfield McCoy Airboat. If you haven’t been on an airboat, it is a must do!
The next two photos are of the Historic Matewan Jail. There is an amazing group of folks working to reopen the jail to the community and visitors. They have come a long way from where they have started!
I love this photo for two reasons – 1) It showcases the massive flood wall and 2) It gives a beautiful glimpse into the town of Matewan.
And of course you can’t visit Matewan without seeing at least one, two, six trains pass through while you are there…
I love the photos! They make me want to go visit Matewan and see the place for myself.
What a wonderful way to share the town with others. The photos are great and really put the town in a great light. Thanks.
I just wanted to thank you for the great write up and pictures of Matewan! With my daddy being a direct decedent of the Hatfield family we are very proud of our heritage and oh the memories I have of Matewan from back in the day! It was a wonderful place to visit and my grandma and numerous aunt’s, uncle’s, and cousins lived there until the 1977 flood. That’s when Matewan was all but wiped off the map. So sad. But thanks to people like you sharing about this wonderful historical place it will continue to live in our hearts!
I was born at the Matewan Hospital, attended Matewan High School Go Tigers Forever! Loved going to the theatre dowtown, listen to the jukebox at the Bus Station by the underpass; I saw the First Mustang unveiling at Grace Ford. Oh how I long for those days go by, but will be Forever imprinted in my Mind, Heart and Soul