The Southwestern Mountains raise their craggy backs in the deep southwestern corner of the state, where West Virginia’s mountaineer spirit, like the landscape, has never quite been tamed. The terrain is rugged and the history tumultuous. The people are independent and deeply proud of their heritage. Something about these mountains fosters fearlessness. The region is the boyhood home of world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. The land of Logan, the Mingo chief who is credited with instigating the Battle of Point Pleasant to avenge the murders of his family. And, of course, the neighborhood where the Hatfields and McCoys duked it out.
