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2013 Map of Big A Mountain

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Big A Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Big A Mountain stands as the central landmark in this portion of the Appalachian highlands, where the drainage of Russell Fork and its numerous tributaries shape a deeply dissected landscape. Small settlements like Council, Venia, and Rasnake are positioned along the narrow valley floors and gap crossings, reflecting a classic mountain settlement pattern where human activity follows the natural corridors of the water. This 2013 survey illustrates the dense network of ridges including Fletcher Ridge, Combs Ridge, and Stinson Ridge, which separate various hollows and branches.

The map reveals a reliance on secondary roads that navigate through high points such as Bradley Gap, Bowen Gap, and Louis Lowe Gap. These crossings have long been essential for local transit between isolated communities like Flatwoods and Fuller Corner. The variety of family-named water features, such as Patten Hess Br and Parett Fletcher Br, indicates a landscape with deep-rooted genealogical ties, where specific branches and hollows like Hale Hollow serve as geographic markers for local history and property lineage.