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Blair Mountain Mine War photos (under construction)
B. L. Dotson-Lewis, webmaster@www.appalachiacoal.com (Appalachian Resource Center)

 

  The Jefferson County Courthouse in Charles Town, WV on the northwest corner of N. George and E. Washington Streets , was twice the scene of treason trials - against John Brown in 1859 , and the leaders of the miners' armed march on Logan in 1921.The courthouse is a red bridge Georgian Colonial building set on a high stone foundation and separated from the street by a tiny yard  Extending across the front is a tall portico with four Doric columns.  The square domed tower features a clock on each of the four sides.  A metal tablet on one corner of the building honors the memory of Col. Charles Washington.  An old candle-burning chandelier, wired for electricity, survives in the courtroom.  The nucleus of this structure was built in 1836.  During the Civil War court records were moved to Lexington, Va., and the courthouse was damaged by shellfire.  The building was neglected until 1872, when it was extensively remodeled.  A wing was added at the rear in 1916.  It was here that in 1859 John Brown was tried for treason because of his violent attempts to free slaves, was found guilty , and sentenced to hang.  Sixty-three years later, some 200 miners and union leaders were brought here from Logan County on a change of venue.  Three men were tried for treason; one was convicted but several others were found guilty of lesser charges.  photo, 1936.  (Bill Blizzard was brought from Logan County on a change of venue and tried for treason in this courthouse.  Blizzard was considered a leader of the miners at the Blair Mountain march and fight in an attempt to organize under the United Mine Workers Union.)

Henry Drury Hatfield (1875-1962) was a member of the feuding Hatfield family, something that stood him in good stead when he tangled with Mother Jones over matters of labor, and the Old Dominion over the Virginia Debt.  Born on Mate Creek, Logan County, he became many things.  Top photo in uniform as a medical officer, 2nd photo - Governor Henry Drury Hatfield