Is Matewan a true story?

A powerful and well-crafted film based on a true story. Matewan tells the story of a bitter 1920 strike in the coal mines of southern West Virginia.

Who was involved in the Matewan Massacre?

Killed in the gunfire were Albert Felts, his brother, Lee, five other Baldwin-Felts detectives, Matewan Mayor Cabell Testerman and two bystanders.

When was the Battle of Matewan?

19 May 1920
Battle of Matewan/Start dates
May 19, 1920: Matewan Massacre. unionized miners a 27 percent wage increase. Unfortunately, the settlement didn’t help most miners in southern West Virginia, the largest non-unionized coal region in the country.

Why did the striking miners feel they were being mistreated?

Worked long hours, high chance of injury and death, low wages, Why did the striking miners feel they were being mistreated? Being born into America or being naturalized.

How many died in the Matewan Massacre?

ten dead
It occurred on May 19, 1920 between local coal miners and the Baldwin–Felts Detective Agency. This event was a battle for miners’ rights and concluded with ten dead (including the mayor at the time, Cable Testerman) and was a success for the Baldwin-Felts Detective agency.

Why did the miners strike in 1912?

The national coal strike of 1912 was the first national strike by coal miners in the United Kingdom. Its main goal was securing a minimum wage. The strike was a repeat of the unsuccessful strike of 1894 which also sought a minimum wage.

How much did the miners get paid?

Miners Industry According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary of all miners in 2019 ranged from ​$56,320​ to ​$48,180​, depending on the specific role.

How many miners died in the Matewan Massacre?

On May 19, 1920, a group of miners, who were led by a local police chief, and detectives hired by a coal company to evict unionizing miners from their homes were involved in a gun battle on the street. Ten people died in the Matewan Massacre.

Who was the mayor of the town of Matewan?

Town of Matewan. Matewan, founded in 1895, was a small independent town with only a few elected officials. The mayor at the time was Cabell Testerman, and the chief of police was Sid Hatfield. Both refused to succumb to the company’s plans, and sided with the miners.

What is the history of Matewan West Virginia?

Matewan is a peaceful little town of 500 with a railway depot, homey restaurants, and scenic hiking trails. But this town has a darker, bloody history. Matewan is a quiet little river town in Mingo County. You wouldn’t guess it, but in 1920, a bloody battle took place on these peaceful streets.

Who was involved in the Battle of Matewan?

It occurred on May 19, 1920 between local coal miners and the Baldwin–Felts Detective Agency. This event was a battle for miners’ rights and concluded with ten dead (including the mayor at the time, Cable Testerman) and was a success for the Baldwin-Felts Detective agency. Whoever shot first is still unknown and is up for debate to this day.