Matewan, West Virginia (WV), a community on the Tug River in Mingo County, was founded in 1897 and named for Matewan, New York, the hometown of the engineer who platted it.
In 1920, the battle to unionize coal mines in southern West Virginia erupted in a fatal shootout at Matewan. The John Sayles movie "Matewan" (1987) is based on the shootout since known as the Matewan Massacre or Battle of Matewan.
Lodging near Matewan, West Virginia
Parks & Public Recreation
A trailhead for the Buffalo Mountain ATV Trail network joins Mate Street in downtown Matewan.
Location
Matewan is located on highway WV-49 approximately 14 miles southeast of Williamson, West Virginia and seven miles northeast of Delorme, West Virginia.
Map of Matewan, West Virginia
Regional Information
Matewan is located in the Hatfield & McCoy Region in southwestern West Virginia.
