Labor Day is more than just the unofficial end of summer—it’s a holiday born from the struggles and sacrifices of working people. And here in West Virginia, that history runs deep.
The New River Gorge itself was built on the backs of workers—from coal miners who risked their lives underground, to loggers who harvested the timber that rebuilt America, to the railroad crews who laid the tracks that carried it all out of these mountains. These industries demanded grueling hours, dangerous conditions, and little pay, but they also gave rise to some of the strongest traditions of solidarity and organizing in the nation.
New River National Park Construction of the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel, c 1930
Just down the road from Fayetteville, the Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster of the 1930s became one of the darkest chapters in American labor history. Hundreds of men, many of them Black migrant workers, lost their lives from silicosis after drilling the Hawks Nest Tunnel without proper protection. In 1930 construction started on a 3-mile tunnel through Gauley Mountain. The Hawks Nest Tunnel diverts water from the New River to a hydroelectric power plant downstream. As the men drilled through the rock in the mountain thick white silica dust filled their lungs. Silicosis claimed the lives of at least” 764 workers ” (NPS.gov) and those numbers have risen years after completion of the project. Their suffering brought national attention to industrial safety standards, shaping workplace protections we benefit from today (National Park Service).
A&M 1956, Fred Mooney Collection WV & Regional History Center
Even earlier, West Virginia was the battleground of the Mine Wars of the early 20th century. Coal miners across the southern coalfields fought for fair wages, the right to unionize, and safer conditions in an industry that controlled every aspect of their lives. The conflict came to a head at the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, when thousands of miners marched—one of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history. Though it ended in bloodshed, the Mine Wars fueled momentum that changed labor rights across the nation (West Virginia Encyclopedia).
Touching right here in Fayetteville, local resident John Propps shared his experience working at the H & S Plastic Factory off Laurel Creek Road in 1969. John started at the factory in February of that year, looking for work when there weren’t many jobs available in the area. At the time, he made about $1.60 an hour. John said most of the time he was too busy trying to keep up with the machine to get caught in all the union talk. He remembered a foreman showing him a trick—turn up the heat and the plastic would melt faster. But it was an art: one worker didn’t get it right, and the mistake meant parts had to be shipped back, broken down, melted again, and the whole process restarted. He overheard workers who had transferred from Kinders Plastics in Chicago saying they were earning closer to $3 an hour. “They were cheating us,” the workers exclaimed.
When the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) came in, it was a big moment for Fayetteville. Workers voted to unionize and signed a two-year contract. But management was resistant. John recalled owner Shackleford warning that if workers ever tried to negotiate another deal with the union in the future, he would close the plant and move operations. When a new union meeting was held at the scout cabin in Oak Hill, Shackleford caught wind of it—and followed through on his threat, shutting the factory down.
This piece of Fayetteville’s history reflects the same struggles seen across the state: workers organizing for fair treatment and facing pushbacks yet leaving behind a legacy that helped shape labor rights today.
When we observe Labor Day in West Virginia, we honor these workers—their courage, their sacrifice, and the hard-earned victories that some of the labor rights we have today.
Labor Day Weekend in Fayetteville
Labor Day is also about community and celebration and time with loved ones. After reflecting on our state’s labor legacy, spend time with family and friends making the most of summer’s last hurrah right here in Fayetteville and beyond:
- Make a Splash: Don’t miss your last chance to play at ACE Wonderland Water Park, open through September 2nd. Mountain Surf Paddle Sports is running a self service special for $40 Self Service kayak and paddle board rentals for the month of August! Use code HAPPYBIRTHDAY over on mtnsurfps.com to reserve your board/kayak.
- Celebrate the Arts: Stop by the Love Hope Center for the Arts for the Artist of the New gallery exhibit, highlighting fresh talent from across Appalachia.
- Festival Fun: Head to Oak Hill for the Oak Leaf Festival, a beloved Labor Day tradition with parades, crafts, food, and live entertainment.
- Live Music: Enjoy a night out with Emily Burdette Saturday at 7:30pm at Southside Junction Tap House, or a concert under the stars with Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos at The Outpost New River Gorge’s Grove in the Gorge concert series.
- Summer Send-Off: Hike or bike the trails of the New River Gorge National Park, take a scenic drive down Fayette Station Road, or treat yourself to a local meal and a scoop of ice cream before fall flavors arrive.
- Spartan Race: Looking for action-packed Labor Day energy? Just a short drive from Fayetteville, the Spartan Race Trifecta Weekend returns to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean. Over Labor Day, this world-class obstacle course brings elite athletes and first-timers alike, tackling rugged mountain terrain, technical water crossings, and heart-pounding obstacles like cargo climbs and fire jumps. Racers can choose from Sprint, Super, or the Beast courses—or go all-in for the Trifecta World Championship—while spectators soak in a festival atmosphere filled with music, food, and fierce cheers.
You still have time to book a Labor Day weekend getaway; we still have lodging openings from the Quality Inn New River Gorge, to the Historic Morris Harvey House Inn, vacation rentals and camping.