Country music star Kathy Mattea will be going to jail in Charles Town next week, but not because she committed a crime.  She will be touring the Old Jefferson County Jail that has been recently restored.  The renovated building includes a court house, public records area, storage areas and office space.  Mattea says the visit was prompted by her interest in coal and the role it plays in her heritage.  Her mother worked at the United Mine Workers of America in Charleston.  Mattea said she used to hear stories about her grandfather, a coal miner who helped organize some of the first unions in the state. The jail and courthouse played a pivotal role in the 1922 Battle of Blair Mountain, a rebellion that led to coal workers being accused of treason.  The trials eventually moved form the southern part of the state to the facility in Charles Town.Mattea says it is important for her to visit Charles Town to see the restored jail because it was the sight of one of the first labor organizations in the country when the unions were trying to organize.  She feels it is an iconic story, not only the coal industry, but for laborers all over the country.Mattea’s stop in Charles Town comes between two concerts.  She is currently touring to promote her new album titled Coal.  Mattea will not be performing during her visit, but will tour the facility and says she is excited to support people who are preserving the state’s history.  Mattea says that she understands how difficult preservation of culture and stories is, and feels that it is important because historic buildings and areas remind us of who we are.The restoration is estimated to cost about $2.3 million.  A formal grand opening ceremony for the jail will be marked by a celebration scheduled for September 20.

Categories: Local News
Tags: Country, Jefferson County. Coal. Unions, Mattea, Music