In January 1920, the United Mine Workers of America tried to unionize miners in southern West Virginia, especially in the Tug Fork area. Coal companies fought back by firing union miners, kicking them out of company housing, and hiring nonunion workers. This led to violence between the two sides.

From May 12–14, 1921, the Battle of the Tug (also called the Three Days Battle) broke out. Union miners fired from the hills onto coal towns, and nonunion miners and law enforcement fired back. Thousands of shots were exchanged, buildings were damaged, and three people were killed.

The battle ended on May 15 after a truce was arranged. Though federal troops didn’t arrive then, this conflict helped lead to their involvement later during the Miners’ March on Logan.