Abstract Harlan County, Kentucky is known for two things: bituminous coal and Bloody Harlan. During the big coal boom in the early 1900s, Harlan County was amongst the largest contributors. Herndon J. Evans, the editor of the Pineville Sun, argued, The troubles of the coal industry had their inception in war times. Huge profits were held out to those who had little capital and a good lease. Wages ranged as high as $25 a day in some instances. Men flocked to the coal...