Welcome to Mingo County West Virginia
An Unforgettable Experience
Mingo County West Virginia offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. While here you will definitely have an unforgettable experience and look forward to your trip back. Mingo County offers many heritage attractions including the coal house, the historic town of Matewan and more. We also offer loads of adventure with the Hatfield & McCoy Trail System, the Twisted Gun Golf Course Tug Valley Country Club and much more. We would like to invite you to see for yourself all of the
experiences we have to offer here in the southern
mountains of West Virginia.
Our History
Mingo County is the youngest county in the state,
formed by an act of legislature in 1895 from parts
of Logan County. The county was named in honor
of the Mingo Indian tribe that had been the
earliest 
known settlers of the region.
How the Tug River was Named
Around 1790, before the white settlers came to this
area, two "long" hunters, Robin and Steve Hensley,
made periodic trips into the valley from their homes
across the Appalachians to hunt bears for their hides.
Before making their trips, they first hunted deer to
make leather tugs from their hides, to tie up their
bearskins for the journey back. On one occasion there
was a serious drought and the hunters almost starved
to death. To survive they cooked the tugs and ate
them. After that the hunters referred to that area
(about five miles west of Williamson) as where they
ate the tugs, and the river in time took on the name
of Tug.
Williamson
One of the gateways to the south, the city of Williamson is over 100 years old and remains an important area along the Norfolk Southern Corporation's rail system. Williamson was incorporated as a city in 1892 while Mingo County was still part of Logan County. The city has been the county seat of Mingo County since the
formation of the county. Railroading and coal mining have long been the major industries in the area. The arrival of the railroad and development of the coal mines all along the line caused the Williamson area to be known as the "Heart of the Billion Dollar Coal Field." Williamson offers visitors many fairs and festivals and is the home of The Coal House, and the Williamson Area Railroad Museum. Many other historic buildings and attractions can also be seen in Williamson.
Delbarton
On September 6, 1946, the youngest town in West Virginia's youngest county was incorporated as a town. The town was originally known as Rock House. This name came from the large cliff of rocks on Pigeon Creek, which was said to have sheltered Indian Scouts. According to legends, in the days before the town and Mingo County came into existence, Mingo Indians were stealing horses from Virginia. Victims of the thefts would follow them back to recover the stolen horses. At a later time some of those people came back to settle the area. As time marched on, the name changed to Burch, a name still carried on by the middle and high school. Later the name was changed to Delbarton, which means "Village in the Woods." Delbarton continues to grow and now houses an opry house, Delbarton Inn, and is the home of the Moonshine Hillclimb.
Matewan
Matewan has intrigued folklore for over one hundred years. In the 1880's the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys raged near Matewan. Forty years later the town was the scene of a fatal conflict between mine workers and coal operators. On election day, August 7, 1882, three sons of Randolph McCoy brutally stabbed and shot Ellison 
Hatfield, brother of Devil Anse Hatfield in Pike County, Kentucky. After Ellison died, Devil Anse executed the three McCoys across the Tug in Kentucky, near present day Matewan. By 1890 the killings had ended, but the feud continued to be sensationalized by journalist for years to come. Matewan was founded in
1895 when the Norfolk and Western entered the valley to open the Williamson coal field. Matewan is now a National Historic Landmark and is also well known as a site of a bloody confrontation between townspeople,
miners and mine company detectives on May 19, 1920. Visitors can hear an audio presentation of the Battle of
Matewan and also see the Matewan Massacre Reenactment at several times during the year and guided tours are available from the Matewan Development Center. Matewan is also home to the Matewan Flood Wall, which depicts a time line of Matewan's history, and the Matewan Depot Replica which houses a museum andthe Matewan Development Center.
Gilbert
Gilbert was incorporated in 1918 and named after Joseph Gilbert, one of the earliest white settlers to the region. Many historians agree that Jospeph Gilbert and George Washington were important factors in Mingo County history. Washington did his first work as a surveyor here and surveyed several areas of Mingo County. Gilbert was originally called Kettle Creek and was changed to War Creek before becoming its present name. Gilbert is now the home of the Larry Joe Harless Center and the Hatfield McCoy Speed Way.
Kermit
The town of Kermit, located on the western border of Mingo County, was incorporated in December 1909. The following month, the town elected its first government officials. When Kermit was first settled, the town was called East Warfield, because it was located across the Tug River from Warfield, KY. When the post office opened in 1908 the name was changed to Kermit, reportedly after the younger son of Theodore Roosevelt, who was at that time President of the United States. Kermit now offers visitors beautiful scenic locations and more.
Attractions
Matewan Depot Replica: Located in downtown Matewan, this replica of the Matewan Depot now houses a visitors center, museum and gift shop. Call 426-4239 for more information.
Matewan Historic District: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Attractions include an audio presentation at the Matewan Massacre site, historic buildings restored to their 1920 appearance. Walking tour brochures are available at the visitors center. www.matewan.com Matewan Floodwall: The “Great Wall” of Matewan and its adjacent walking path on the river side of the wall is open year round to visitors. The walking path allows visitors to study the historic graphics embedded in the floodwall.
Coal House: Located in downtown Williamson, the Coal House was built in 1933 out of 65 tons of locally mined coal. For more information call 304-235-5240
Dingess Petrogliffs: Located at Laurel Lake these petroglyphs were discovered in 1987. Dingess Tunnel: Driving through this historic tunnel is a fascinating experience.
Hatfield & McCoy Driving Tour: See the sites of the Hatfield & McCoy feud on the self-guided driving tour. Call 304-235-5240.
Williamson Round House: This round house is one of the only remaining round houses in operation today.
Williamson Area Railroad Museum: Located in downtown Williamson, the railroad museum highlights our railroading history and visitors can also view a dining car.
Delbarton Opry: Located in Delbarton, this opry house provides live entertainment weekly.
Brick Street Artifacts: Located in
downtown Williamson we carry a wide selection of antiques and crafts. Located at 204 W 2nd Ave.
Shopping
The Tug Valley Area offers a pleasant and friendly place to shop for daily needs and has always been known as a shopping center. There are a wide variety of shops that are easily accessible. There is the South Side Mall at Goody, KY, the Appalachian Plaza in South Williamson, KY, and the downtown shopping districts of Williamson, Matewan, Delbarton, Gilbert and Kermit, WV that offer a range of services.
Services
Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce 304-235-5240
Tug Valley Arts Council Mingo Community Action Partnership, 304-235-1701
Williamson Memorial Hospital 304-235-2500
Appalachian Regional Hospital 606-237-1700
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College 304-235-6046
Mingo County Redevelopment Authority 304-235-0042
Matewan Development Center 304-426-4239
Williamson Daily News 304-235-4242
WBTH/WXCC Radio 606-353-8750
Housing Authority of Williamson 304-235-3270
Enterprise Rent a Car 304-235-3030
Mingo County Housing Authority 304-235-0388
Mother Goose Day Care 606-237-6680
City Tire 304-235-0130
Mingo County Commission 304-235-0378
Mingo County Schools 304-235-3333
Emergency 911
Festivals and Events
Magnolia Fair: Held annually in Matewan, WV during August. For more information call 304-426-4239.
Hatfield & McCoy Reunion Festival: This one of a kind event is held annually in June in Williamson, Matewan and Pikeville. For more information call 304-235-5240.
Hatfield & McCoy Marathon: This 26 mile marathon is held annually in June during the Hatfield & McCoy Reunion Festival. For more information call 606- 353-1626.
Matewan Massacre Re-enactment: This re-enactment takes place several times throughout the year in Matewan. For dates and times call 304-426-4239.
Matewan Homecoming: Held annually in September in Matewan. For more information call 304-426-4239. King Coal Festival: Celebrate King Coal annually in September in Williamson. For more information call 304-235-5560.
Williamson Rail Fest Celebration: This festival is held annually in July in the town of Williamson and celebrates our Railroading history through many events and displays. For more information call 304- 235-0105.
Great White Way: Our Christmas celebration held annually in Williamson. Call 304-235-5560 for more information
Matewan Massacre Anniversary: Held annually each May in downtown Matewan. Call 304-426-4239.
Tour de Mountains: This bicycle race which takes competitors from Williamson to Logan is held annually in October. For more information call 606-237-4253.
Delbarton Homecoming: Held annually in September in Delbarton. Call 304-475-3359.
Kermit Fall Festival: Held annually each September in Kermit. Call 304-393-2655.
Hatfield - McCoy Trail Fest: Held annually in Gilbert during the fall. Call 1-800-592-2217.
Delbarton Moonshine Hillclimb: Many events throughout the year. Call 304-475-2942.
Tug Valley Shrine Club Car Show: Held annually each year. 304-235-0320.
Recreation
Laurel Lake Park: This 12,851 acre park offers many outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, camping, swimming and picnic areas. Contact the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce at 304-235-5240 for
more information.
R.D. Bailey Lake and Dam: See a breathtaking view of R.D. Bailey Lake & Dam, and surrounding forest from the visitors center at the lake. Open all year for boating. Facilities include a marina and fishing pier, picnic tables and grills, a shelter, playground, and camping with electrical hook-ups. Located near Justice in Mingo
and Wyoming Counties. 304-664-3220.
Hatfield & McCoy Trail System: Presently includes 400 miles of trails in Logan, Mingo and Boone counties.
www.trailsheaven.com
WV Outback ATV: Offering what you need for a mild to wild ATV adventure that you will never forget including ATV rental, guided tours, tour filming, ATV repair, parts and accessories. 304-426-5152.
www.hatfieldmccoyatvrentals.com
Twisted Gun Golf Course: Located near Gilbert, this 18 hole golf course offers a beautiful scenic location and top-notch facilities.
Tug Valley Country Club: The Tug Valley County Club offers a 9 hole golf course and is located in Sprigg, WV.
Larry Joe Harless Center: Located in Gilbert, the Harless Center offers a variety of recreational facilities, a movie theatre, and more.
Experience Our Heritage
Mingo County, West Virginia is rich with culture and history and as you visit Mingo County you will discover the many historic treasures that are hidden in our mountains. Visitors can enjoy visiting the Coal House in Williamson, driving through Dingess Tunnel in Dingess, observing the petrogliffs at Laurel Lake Park, taking a trip through history on the Hatfield & McCoy Driving Tour, visiting the many museums including the Williamson
Area Railroad Museum in Williamson, or visiting historic Downtown Matewan. Matewan is the scene of the Matewan Massacre and visitors to the town can enjoy watching the Matewan Massacre Reenactment or touring the town with Sid Hatfield. While in Matewan, be sure to visit the Matewan Depot Replica which houses a gift shop and a museum of the county’s rich history.
Experience Our Adventure
Mingo County offers visitors an array of adventurous experiences. From taking a ride on the Hatfield & McCoy Trail to playing golf, we are sure to have the adventure that you are looking for. While visiting Mingo County be sure to visit our beautiful lakes, ride through our mountains, or play a round of golf. Visitors can also enjoy the recreational activities at the Larry Joe Harless Center and watch a national event at the Delbarton Moonshine Hillclimb.
Accommodations
Sycamore Inn: Located in Williamson on 2nd Avenue and Pritchard Street 304-235-3656
Super 8 Motel: Located on Hwy. 119 in South Williamson, KY 606-237-5898
Delbarton Inn: Located in downtown Delbarton 304-475-1000
Historic Matewan House Bed & Breakfast: Located in downtown Matewan 304-426-5607
Dining
Brass Tree: Located in downtown Williamson at 101 Pritchard Street 304-235-0811
Dairy Queen: Located in South Williamson, KY on Route 119 606-237-4791
Food City: Located in South Williamson, KY on Route 119 606-237-1150
McDonalds: Located in South Williamson, KY 606-237-5696
Matewan Depot: Located in downtown Matewan 304-426-6512
Starters Sports Bar and Grill: Located in downtown Williamson on 2nd Avenue 304-235-8600
Stewart’s Drive Inn: Located in West Williamson 304-235-1787
Wal-mart Radio Grill: Located in South Williamson, KY on Route 119 606-237-0477
Linda’s Country Diner: Located in Matewan 304-426-5100
Thoroughbred Steakhouse: Located at
Southside Mall in South Williamson, KY 606-237-3930
El Azul Mexican Restaurant: Located in South Williamson, KY 606-237-4268
