Attempts to unionize by coal miners in 1920 led to the Battle of Matewan between miners and Baldwin–Felts detectives, which was the inspiration for the 1987 movie Matewan.
Matewan |
Chris Gibbin began his foray into film as an art department assistant on John Sayles’ 1987 film Matewan.
Robert D. Bailey, Sr. (1883–1963), American judge, known for his involvement in the Matewan Massacre trials
The town was the filming location for John Sayles' 1987 movie Matewan since it still possesses many of the characteristics of a 1920s Appalachian coal town.