Big Stone Gap in Wise County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Origins of Big Stone Gap

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 17, 2015

1. Origins of Big Stone Gap Marker

Inscription. This was the site of the Gilley famly farm, settled by John and Mary Barger Gilley about 1790. The family cemetery was located just south at the end of Graveyard Alley. Named Imboden after Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden when it was laid out on parts of the Gilley, Horton, and Flanary farms, the town was incorporated on 7 Apr. 1882 as Mineral City. Its name was changed to Big Stone Gap on 23 Feb. 1888, when the town boundaries were enlarged. Soon, as several railroads converged here, the town grew due to the importance of the iron and coal mining industries.

Erected 1995 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KA-12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.

Location. 36° 52.097′ N, 82° 46.381′ W. Marker is in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, in Wise County. Marker is at the intersection of Wood Avenue East (County Route 610) and East Jerome Street South, on the right when traveling east on Wood Avenue East. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Stone Gap VA 24219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Big Stone Gap (about 700 feet away, measured in

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a direct line); Carl Martin (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Big Stone Gap (approx. ¼ mile away); Christ Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Southwest Virginia Museum (approx. half a mile away); Appalachia (approx. 2.6 miles away); Donelson’s Indian Line (approx. 4 miles away); Lee County / Wise County (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Stone Gap.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 17, 2015

2. Origins of Big Stone Gap Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 868 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.