Holley Hills Estate
a.k.a. Holley Hills Farm
S of Alum Creek on Coal River Rd., Alum Creek, WV Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During the American Civil War, Lincoln County played a critical role, as it was the site of several major conflicts. It was here that the Hatfield-McCoy feud reached its peak, involving two prominent families engaged in a long-standing vendetta. The feud's violent episodes and public interest drew nationwide attention, eventually leading to a trial and the public hanging of some involved individuals.
In the early 20th century, the county experienced a period of economic growth with the rise of the coal mining industry. Its abundant coal deposits attracted numerous mining companies, leading to an influx of workers and the establishment of several mining towns. However, this period came with many challenges, including unsafe working conditions, labor disputes, and the tragic events of the Hawk's Nest Tunnel disaster, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history.
In recent years, Lincoln County has focused on diversifying its economy beyond coal mining. The region has seen investments in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. Efforts have been made to preserve and celebrate the county's cultural heritage, including the Hatfield-McCoy Heritage Days festival, which showcases the area's history and promotes tourism. Today, Lincoln County continues to evolve, blending its historical legacy with a vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Lincoln County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lincoln County, West Virginia.
- 1764 - European settlement begins in the area now known as Lincoln County.
- 1867 - Lincoln County is created from parts of Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, and Putnam counties.
- 1868 - Hamlin is designated as the county seat of Lincoln County.
- 1880s - The coal mining industry begins to develop in Lincoln County.
- 1919 - The Battle of Blair Mountain, a major labor uprising, takes place in the southern part of Lincoln County.
- 1921 - A large fire destroys much of the town of Hamlin.
- 1937 - The Great Flood devastates various parts of Lincoln County.
- 1952 - The construction of the East Lynn Lake begins in Lincoln County.
- 1965 - Construction of the Burnsville Dam begins within Lincoln County.
- 2012 - Lincoln County celebrates its 150th anniversary.