Big Rock, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Rock
|
|
|---|---|
Coal tipple in Big Rock
|
|
 Big Rock
Location in Virginia
Big Rock
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Buchanan |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 199 |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1495268 |
Big Rock is a small community found in Buchanan County, Virginia. It is called an "unincorporated community." This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county. Big Rock is also a "census-designated place" (CDP). This is a special area the government defines just for counting people during the census.
Contents
Big Rock: A Small Community in Virginia
Big Rock is located in the southwestern part of Virginia. It sits right where two roads meet: County Route 650 and U.S. Route 460. This community is also very close to the state line of Kentucky.
Where is Big Rock Located?
Big Rock is nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. It's part of Buchanan County, which is known for its natural beauty. The area has many hills and valleys.
How Many People Live There?
The first time Big Rock was officially counted as a CDP was in the 2020 census. At that time, its population was 199 people. This makes Big Rock a very small and quiet place to live.
A Look at Big Rock's History
Big Rock has a history connected to the development of the region. A post office was opened in Big Rock way back in 1854. This was an important step for the community. It meant people could send and receive mail more easily.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Big Rock" comes from a very large boulder that used to be in the area. This rock was a famous landmark. However, the original "big rock" is no longer there. It was destroyed in the 1930s. This happened when a railroad was being built through the community. The railroad was important for transporting goods, especially coal.
The Importance of Coal
Buchanan County, where Big Rock is located, has a long history with coal mining. Coal was a very important resource in this region. Many communities, like Big Rock, grew because of the coal industry. The image in the infobox shows a "coal tipple." A coal tipple is a structure used to load coal into railroad cars. This shows how central coal was to the area's economy.
Big Rock Today
Today, Big Rock remains a small, rural community. It continues to be a quiet place. The area offers a glimpse into the history of Virginia's coal country. It reminds us of how communities grew around important industries.
