[2] Its own name is likely purely descriptive of its frequent flooding and high water levels, as it is not otherwise one of the biggest tributaries of Red Bird River.

[2] The mouth of Big Creek is 15 miles (24 km) upstream on Red Bird River at an altitude of 789 feet (240 m) above sea level.

[4] Originally located a mere 50 feet (15 m) across the county line into Clay, it was moved on February 12, 1924, to Ulysses Creek by postmaster Thomas T.

[16] The postmaster's original choice of name, Elim, was disregarded because of potential confusion with an Elem post office in Rockcastle County.

[19][20] On Big Creek itself, Wiley Spurlock had a mine 1.25 miles (2.01 km) upstream,[3] and Hiram Sizemore had one on a minor fork opposite the mouth of Collins.