The Terror of the Tug

The Terror of the Tug, written by Jean Battlo, is an outdoor drama based on the West Virginia coal mine wars and the story of the murder of Sid Hatfield and Ed Chambers on the steps of the McDowell County Courthouse. The backdrop of the story is southern West Virginia miners’ fight to join the UMWA, resulting in the murder of Hatfield and Chambers on the steps of the Courthouse in Welch on Aug 1921. This is a pivotal event in the struggles of the miners and their families that later led to the Battle of Blair Mountain. This is a must-see to understand both the historical and dramatic impact on the lives of so many in West Virginia history.

• Show performed at the McArts Amphitheatre on Mt. View Road, located off Rt 52 in Kimball, WV (McDowell County)

• Purchase tickets at the event: $10 adult; $8 children 5 to 12; free for children 5 &under

• The performance begins at 8:00 PM and runs for approximately 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission.

• To learn more about The Terror of the Tug and see photos, check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Terror-of-the-Tug-536426306566002/

• For more information, contact: Michelle Whittaker, randyswife40@gmail.com, 304-436-2609

Four storytellers will provide their unique viewpoints and opinions of what and how it happened and attendees will be able to make their own conclusion about the event and who shot who. Attendees will learn about the hardship that the miners endured working for the coal company before the union was established and gain insights into Southern West Virginia’s coal mining heritage.

Make a day of it in Welch on September 4th. Check our Calendar of Events:

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Reenactment of the murder of Sid Hatfield and Ed Chambers (FREE)

• 1:30 – 4:00 PM: Screening of the movie Matewan ($5.00)

• 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Have dinner on your own at one of Welch’s great restaurants

  • The Sterling Drive-In

  • 37Coffee (Brazilian meals, pastries, and coffee)

• 8:00 – 10:00 PM: The Terror of the Tug Performance ($10.00/$8.00)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CITY OF WELCH IN MCDOWELL COUNTY: www.coaltownusa.com